Investigating the impact of cross-sectional area on the crushing characteristics of axially-loaded hemispherical composite shells

authored by: Aamir Dean, Elsadig Mahdi
Abstract: The research focus has shifted towards lightweight structures with high energy absorption capabilities due to advancements in automotive safety technology. This study specifically investigates the impact of cross-sectional area on the energy absorption characteristics of hemispherical composite shells. The experimental phase involves characterizing a glass fiber epoxy composite, followed by the manufacture of hemispherical composite shell specimens with varying cross-sectional areas. These specimens undergo quasi-static axial compressive loading, and the energy absorption parameters are analyzed. The results indicate a significant influence of the composite cross-sectional area on the crushing behavior of hemispherical shells, with a observed decrease in specific energy absorption as the cross-sectional area increases. Additionally, a 3D Finite Element (FE) model is created using ABAQUS FE code to numerically simulate the crushing process. The model's predictions are compared and validated against experimentally measured values, demonstrating a satisfactory correlation.
Organisation(s): Institute of Structural Analysis
External Organisation(s): Sudan University of Science and Technology (SUST)
Qatar University
Type: Article
Journal: Composites Part C: Open Access
Volume: 14
No. of pages: 7
ISSN: 2666-6820
Publication date: 07.2024
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Ceramics and Composites, Mechanics of Materials, Mechanical Engineering
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomc.2024.100479 (Access: Open)

BibTeX

@article{18e7a48faecb442aaa35ed5ec745de27,
title = "Investigating the impact of cross-sectional area on the crushing characteristics of axially-loaded hemispherical composite shells",
abstract = "The research focus has shifted towards lightweight structures with high energy absorption capabilities due to advancements in automotive safety technology. This study specifically investigates the impact of cross-sectional area on the energy absorption characteristics of hemispherical composite shells. The experimental phase involves characterizing a glass fiber epoxy composite, followed by the manufacture of hemispherical composite shell specimens with varying cross-sectional areas. These specimens undergo quasi-static axial compressive loading, and the energy absorption parameters are analyzed. The results indicate a significant influence of the composite cross-sectional area on the crushing behavior of hemispherical shells, with a observed decrease in specific energy absorption as the cross-sectional area increases. Additionally, a 3D Finite Element (FE) model is created using ABAQUS FE code to numerically simulate the crushing process. The model's predictions are compared and validated against experimentally measured values, demonstrating a satisfactory correlation.",
keywords = "Composites, Crashworthiness, Energy absorption, Experiments, Hemispherical shells, Simulations",
author = "Aamir Dean and Elsadig Mahdi",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2024 The Author(s)",
year = "2024",
month = jul,
doi = "10.1016/j.jcomc.2024.100479",
language = "English",
volume = "14",
journal = "Composites Part C: Open Access",
issn = "2666-6820",
publisher = "Elsevier BV",
}