Off Axial Dynamic Collapse of CFRP Square Tubes

Energy absorption characteristics of square composite tubes, capable of progressive crushing, have been the subject of many studies. Pure axial collapse is an idealistic situation for the energy absorbers in an automobile accident. Head on impacts are simulated primarily due to the regulatory requirements of the automotive OEMs. In this study the off-axial dynamic collapse behavior of CFRP tubes, which are commonly used in the automotive industry, are investigated. The off axial impact performance characteristics of the square composite tubes such as peak load, energy absorption and crushing response are studied for tubes with different lengths, fiber orientation, impact angles and impact speeds using LS-DYNA^® an explicit software.