Collapse characteristics of a circular-cross-section CFRP pipe structure member using finite element analysis

Abstract

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) are advanced composite materials that have been used as lightweight structural materials for vehicles. Unlike general isotropic materials, the structural characteristics of composite materials are strongly influenced by the stacking directions and sequences of the composite laminates. In this study, finite element analysis was used to predict the material properties of the carbon fibers and the resin composing a CFRP in cases of laminated carbon fibers and modified external angles. The results verify the approach’s reliability by comparing the simulation results and the real test results related to the material properties of the carbon fibers and the resin. The results of the finite element analysis and the experimental results were compared with the load-displacement curves and the maximum load. The [02/902]S, [902/02]2, and [0/90]2S specimens showed a maximum error rate of 8.6%, whereas the [902/02]S, [02/902]2, and [90/0]2S specimens showed a maximum error rate of approximately 12.93%. By applying CFRP static collapse analysis of fiber properties and resin properties through basic experiments and basic theory, we predicted the properties of CFRPs through finite element analysis; an error rate of approximately 10% indicated that our approach is effective.