Carbon-glass reinforced epoxy hybrid composites for crashworthy structural applications

The goal of this work is to experimentally explore the crashworthiness perfor-mance and the deformation history of hybrid thin-walled composite tubes. Glass (G)/carbon (C) reinforced epoxy circular specimens were prepared by wet wrap using hand lay-up technique and then subjected to quasi-static axial compressive loads to examine the impact of the hybridization process and stacking sequences on the crashworthiness performance and the deformation history. Crush indicators, that is, the initial peak force (F-ip), absorbed energy (AE), specific absorbed energy (SEA) of the designed tubes were assessed. The specimens failure modes were discussed. Cost analysis for the proposed mate-rials was carried out. According to the experimental findings, the hybridization and stacking order significantly influence the crashworthiness performance and failure mode of G/C reinforced epoxy composite tubes. C/2G/2C/2G/C hybrid is recommended as an energy absorber material for automobiles.