On crashworthiness of FRP thin-walled circular tubes under dynamic axial compression

Dynamic crash behavior under dynamic axial compression of GFRP, CFRP and KFRP thin-walled circular tubes is reported. Such tubes may be used as structural members in fields where their light weight property is regarded as important. For precise characterization of dynamic properties, the KHKK 'one-bar method' [1] is applied. These materials are evaluated from the standpoint of crashworthiness (dynamic crash stress), and their individual characteristics, that arise from the composing fiber itself and from reinforcing fiber patterns with their varied fracture appearances, are clarified.