Lightweight cost-effective hybrid materials for energy absorption applications

The present paper experimentally explores the influence of the fiber hybridization and layering sequence on crashworthiness behavior and deformation history of polymer/metal thin-walled pipes. Jute (J)/glass (G) reinforced epoxy over wrapped aluminum (Al) pipes were prepared via hand wet wrapping then subjected to axial quasi-static compressive loads. The load versus displacement plots and crashing indicators, i.e. peak crushing load ( F ip), mean crushing load ( F m), total energy absorption ( U), specific energy absorption (SEA), and crush force efficiency (CFE) were determined. Experimental results revealed that the maximum (SEA) was recorded for Al/2J/4G/2J pipe with a value of about 42.92 kJ/ g, with an enhancement of 20.56% in (SEA) compared with pure Al-pipes. Al/2J/4G/ 2J specimens display the maximum ( U), (SEA), and (CFE) and could be employed as energy absorbing members in automobiles.