Abstract
Braided fabric is one of the useful textile techniques for fabricating near-net-shaped reinforcement configuration for FRP products. Fabrication of braided preform is highly automated and a good balance in off-axis properties can be achieved with braided configurations. In this study, braided composite pipe was fabricated by an automatic braiding and pultrusion system. This system can fabricate constant quality products continuously, and this fabrication process can restrain fabrication costs comparatively. Braided composite pipes made by an automatic braiding system were investigated as superior absorber in this study. Energy absorption properties, especially the influence of fiber orientation angle of braided composite pipes were evaluated. In order to clarify fracture mechanism of each fracture aspect were observed by step-by- step test.