Crashworthy capability of composite material structures

Abstract Considerable research interest has been directed towards the use of composite materials for crashworthiness applications, because they can be designed to provide impact energy absorption capabilities which are superior to those of metals when compared on a weight basis. This review draws together information from a variety of sources to compare the findings of researchers in this field. The anisotropy of composite materials means that there are a great number of variables controlling mechanical behaviour and much of the investigative experimental work conducted in this area has concentrated on composite tubular specimens. The material, geometrical and experimental factors which have been shown to affect the energy absorption capability of such samples are related and a comparison is made of some of the specific energy absorption values which have been quoted in the literature. A selection of methods for predicting composite material energy absorption capability is presented and consideration is given to some of the more practical aspects of employing composite materials for crashworthiness purposes.

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