Crushing response of composite corrugated tubes to quasi-static axial loading

This paper is devoted to examine the crushing behaviour of axially crushed composite corrugated tubes. Two types of composites were tested, namely, carbon fibre/epoxy in a filament form and glass fibre/epoxy in woven roving form. A series of experiments was conducted for tubes with corrugation angle (beta) ranging from 10degrees to 40degrees. Typical failure histories of their failure mechanisms are presented and discussed. The results showed that the crushing behaviour of composite corrugated tube is found to be sensitive to the change in corrugation angle and fibre type. Carbon/epoxy tubes with corrugation angle of 40degrees displayed the highest specific energy absorption capability. It is also found that introducing of corrugation could significantly enhance the energy absorption capability of composite tubes in a uniform manner. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.