Influence of cross-section on the impact and post-impact behavior of biocomposites bumper beams

The objective of this work is to analyze the influence of the cross-section of a bumper beam made of fully biodegradable composites. Flax/PLA bumper beams were manufactured with four types of cross-sections with different degree of roundness. Specimens were subjected to low velocity impacts and the post-impact behavior is evaluated under three-point bending tests. Results indicate that different cross-sections can be selected if the objective is to maximize the impact performance or the post-impact residual properties. The bumper beam with the higher roundness exhibits the best impact performance, while an intermediate section exhibits the best after impact residual mechanical properties.

Automated summary

This work aims to analyze the influence of the cross-section shape of a fully biodegradable composite bumper beam. Flax/PLA bumper beams with four different degrees of roundness were manufactured. Specimens were subjected to low velocity impacts and the post-impact behavior was evaluated through three-point bending tests. The results indicate that different cross-section shapes can be selected depending on whether the objective is to maximize impact performance or post-impact residual properties.