Energy absorption capability of laterally loaded segmented composite tubes

Experimental investigations were carried out in order to study the effects of segmentation on the crushing behaviour of quasi-static laterally compressed composite tubes. Load–deformation curves and failure mechanism histories of typical specimens are presented and discussed. The test results confirm quite well results obtained from Ref. [Abosbaia, Mahdi and Hamouda. Axial quasi-static crushing behaviour of segmented composite tubes. Int. J. Compos. Struct. 2003; 60(3): 327–343] that considerable improvement with respect to stability in load-carrying capacity can be obtained. Distinct differences are pointed out between the different segmentation arrangements. Segmented composite tubes, consisting of cotton fibre/epoxy and carbon fibre/epoxy, are shown to be particularly efficient crush elements. On the other hand, segmented composite tubes including tissue mat glass fibres were found to suffer from low energy absorption.