Abstract
Keywords:
Al/CFRP Member, Impact Collapse Test, Fiber Orientation Angle of CFRP, Energy Absorption Capability, Collapse Mode.
Abstract
An aluminum or CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics) member is representative light-weight materials but its axial collapse mechanism is different from each other. The aluminum member absorbs energy by stable plastic deformation, while the CFRP member absorbs energy by unstable brittle failure with higher specific strength and stiffness than those in the aluminum member. In this study, the Al/CFRP structural members which are composed of aluminum members wrapped with CFRP outside were manufactured to get a synergy effect when the Al/CFRP member is combined with the advantages of each members, such as energy absorption by the stable folding deformation of the aluminum member and by the high specific strength and stiffness of the CFRP member. Based on the respective collapse characteristics of aluminum and CFRP members, energy absorption capability and collapse mode of Al/CFRP were analyzed according to change of the fiber orientation angle of CFRP. The collapse load and mode were analyzed for development of optimal light-weight member of vehicles. Especially, because the CFRP member has a defect of brittle characteristics under impact load, the impact collapse tests were performed to investigate collapse characteristics of Al/CFRP members. Test results showed that the collapse of the Al/CFRP member complemented unstable brittle failure of the CFRP member due to ductile characteristics of the inner aluminum member and the fiber orientation angle of Al/CFRP members influence energy absorption and collapse mode.