Influence of Section Shapes on Axial Collapse Characteristics of Al/CFRP Composite Thin-Walled Member

Abstract

In the present study, we aim to achieve sufficient stiffness and safety of the cabin structure to ensure a safe protective space for the passengers in a car crash. Additionally, we aim to obtain quantitative design data on the Al/CFRP composite thin-walled members that have the optimal shock characteristics corresponding to the section shape change, which can absorb significant energy during a car crash. We evaluated the safety performance by examining the energy absorption capability and collapse mode of square, circular, and hat-shaped Al/CFRP composite thin-walled members where in aluminum members with square, circular, and hat-shaped sections, respectively, are combined with CFRP elements. The energy absorption characteristic of the circular Al/CFRP composite impact-absorbing member in which the outermost layer angle was laminated at 0 was observed to be 52.9% and 49.93% higher than that of the square and hat-shaped members, respectively. In addition, the energy absorption characteristic of the circular Al/CFRP composite impact-absorbing member in which the outermost layer angle was laminated at 90 was observed to be 50.49% and 49.2% higher than that of the square and hat-shaped members, respectively.