3D woven tubular composites with bamboo‐structures for enhanced energy absorption: Designing, manufacturing and performance analysis

Abstract

Abstract3D woven tubular composites (3D‐WTC), known for their lightweight and high‐strength characteristics, are widely used in various energy‐absorbing components. To enhance the energy absorption capacity of 3D‐WTC, this study conducted a mechanical analysis of bamboo tube structures and proposed concentric circular nested biomimetic structures with “single tube + double ribs” and “double tubes + double ribs.” 3D woven tubular composites with bamboo‐structures (3DWTC‐Bamboo) were fabricated using the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Axial compression tests were conducted using a universal testing machine to reveal and discuss the energy absorption capacity and failure modes of 3DWTC‐Bamboo. The results showed that 3DWTC‐Bamboo with a “double tube + double ribs” concentric circular nested biomimetic structures performed exceptionally, with a peak load of 28.93KN and specific energy absorption of 7.74 J·g−1. The failure mode was a hybrid of “rib folding + tube wall buckling.” Finally, finite element analysis of the stress distribution during the compression of 3DWTC‐Bamboo was conducted using ABAQUS, which validated the experimental results. In summary, this work provides a reference for structural innovation in 3D‐WTC and further expands its application in the field of energy absorption.Highlights Propose “single tube + double ribs” and “double tubes + double ribs” structures. Introducing the “rib” structures to enhance the local strength/stiffness. Test results show that 3DWTC‐Bamboo has great potential in energy absorption. The “ribs” can increase the local strength/stiffness of the tube structures.

Numerical Study of the Influence of the Structural Parameters on the Stress Dissipation of 3D Orthogonal Woven Composites under Low-Velocity Impact

“…3D woven composites, distinguished by their intricate interlaced fiber architecture, have attracted substantial interest in recent years owing to their enhanced mechanical attributes, such as superior strength, dimensional stability, and heightened resistance to delamination and impact [1][2][3][4][5]. In contrast to conventional 2D woven composites, which feature yarns interweaving in the warp (y-yarn) and weft (x-yarn) directions, 3D woven composites incorporate an additional set of yarns oriented in the thickness dimension.…”

Impact Performance of 3D Orthogonal Woven Composites: A Finite Element Study on Structural Parameters

“…Three-dimensional (3D) woven composites have attracted significant interest in recent years due to their exceptional mechanical properties and broad applicability, such as aerospace and automotive systems and ballistic protection [1][2][3]. These composites are characterized by reinforcing fibers woven in three-dimensional structures, offering improved out-of-plane properties and delamination resistance compared to traditional 3D woven preforms made from a stack of 2D woven composites [4,5].…”