Mathematical Model for Axial Crushing of Hybrid Square Tubes

In this paper, to investigate energy absorption capability of hybrid (metal-composite) square tubes under axial loading, a new theory is proposed based on collapse mode of metal square tubes and considering off-axis strength of each layer of composite. An expression is derived for mean crushing load and folding wave length in terms of mechanical properties and geometrical dimensions of metal tube and composite prepregs wrapped around it. To validate the theoretical model, predicted values for mean crushing load are compared with experimental and numerical results that show reasonably good agreement.