Torsional mechanical properties and damage mechanism of glass fiber-ramie hybrid circular tube

Compared with other green natural fibers, ramie has higher mechanical properties and lower cost. In this study, ramie and glass fiber are made into composite circular tubes by two-dimensional braiding, and their torsional mechanical properties and damage mechanisms are investigated. The results show that under the unit wall thickness, compared with the pure glass fiber circular tube, the maximum torsion angle of the hybrid circular tube with ramie and glass fiber spindle ratio of 1:3 increases by 78%, the weight is reduced by 22%, the cost is reduced by 14%, the maximum torque is increased by 10% and the torsional stiffness is reduced by 18.75%. When the loading direction is the same as the implantation direction with more glass fiber content, the failure is caused by buckling. When the loading direction is the same as the implantation direction with more ramie content, the failure is caused by matrix fracture or fiber fracture. The numerical simulation results of the damage model are consistent with the experimental data and the damage morphology, which verifies the effectiveness of the finite element model. These conclusions provide a reference for the engineering application of composite circular tubes with environmental protection, lightweight and anti-torsion failure ability.

Automated summary

Compared with other green natural fibers, ramie has higher mechanical properties and lower cost. In this study, ramie and glass fiber are made into composite circular tubes. The results show that the hybrid circular tube with ramie and glass fiber has improved torsional mechanical properties and reduced weight and cost. The failure mechanisms are affected by the loading direction and the content of each fiber.