The effect of foam-filler on the energy absorption capability in the circular double layered composite tubes

This paper experimentally investigates the effects of polyurethane foam-filler on the energy absorption capability in the circular double layered tubes under axial quasi-static loading. For this purpose, the specimens were prepared with four different positions of foam filler. The ±75 glass/epoxy tubes, were produced by filament winding technique and were compressed at the same strain rate of 5 mm/min. The effects of foam filler on the crushing load and the specific energy absorption of the specimens were studied. The experimental results show that the polyurethane foam-filler increases the energy absorption capability of composite tubes. The results reveal that, the highest specific energy absorption occurs when both of the inner and outer tubes are filled with the foam filler, whereas the lowest energy absorption occurs when only the inner tube is filled with the polyurethane foam filler. Finally, according to the experimental results, the best position for the foam filler was obtained, discussed and commented upon.