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AuthorAbdulqadir, Samer Fakhri
AuthorTarlochan, Faris
Available date2023-01-26T07:03:28Z
Publication Date2021
Publication NameApplied Sciences (Switzerland)
ResourceScopus
URIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.3390/app11114792
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/38887
AbstractVehicle crashworthiness is an important aspect to consider when designing a vehicle to ensure the safety of the occupants. Besides this, vehicles are also designed to reduce weight for better fuel economics. One possible approach to reducing weight without compromising vehicle safety is by looking at new designs and usage of composite materials, along with the usage of computational models to reduce time and cost. Hence, this paper displays the experimental results of a carbon fiber reinforced closed top-hat section subjected to both quasi-static and dynamic crushing loading. The results were used to validate the computational model developed in the study. The specimens were made of carbon composite prepregs MTM-44 sheets stacked at the alternative orientation of ±45° and 0°/90°, where 0° direction coincides with the axis of the member. The samples were prepared by using a mold and carbon prepregs under vacuum bagging followed by curing in an autoclave. Trigger initiation was applied to ensure the specimens demonstrated a stable crushing mode of failure during the test. Experimental investigations were carried out under the ambient conditions with different loading conditions, and different kinetic energy ranges (2, 3 and 6 kJ). Experimental data was used to validate the finite element analysis (FEA). The maximum errors obtained between experimental and FEA for mean load, mean energy absorption, and crushing displacement were 13%, 13% and 7%, respectively. The numerically obtained results were in strong agreement with the experimental data and showed that they were able to predict the failure of the specimens. The work also showed the novelty of using such structures for energy absorption applications.
SponsorAcknowledgments: This investigation was supported by the Council for at Risk Academy (CARA). The authors would like to acknowledge the university of Warwick and Warwick manufacturing group (WMG) and staff for providing full support, equipment and all facilities to complete this research. Also, great appreciation for the Sika Power company for providing an adhesive which is necessary for this investigation. The authors would also like to acknowledge Qatar National Research Fund for providing financial assistance to publish this paper as open access.
Languageen
PublisherMDPI AG
SubjectAxial load
Composite material
Crashworthiness
Energy absorption
Top-hat section
TitleAn experimental validation of numerical model for top-hat tubular structure subjected to axial crush
TypeArticle
Issue Number11
Volume Number11
dc.accessType Open Access


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