Crushing behaviour of hybrid tubular structures

Thin-walled tubular structures have been widely used as energy absorbers in many applications, particularly within the automotive, aerospace and civil industries. The aim of this study is to investigate the axial crushing of novel hybrid square tubular structures made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminium subjected to axial compressive loads. Deformation modes and energy absorption of these tubes have been discussed. A theoretical formula was derived to predict the mean crushing force of square CFRP tubes. This newly proposed model captured the major deformation mechanisms of CFRP tubes under axial compression, i.e. crack propagation, transverse shearing, and friction.