Energy Absorption Capability of Cotton Fiber/Epoxy Composite Square and Rectangular Tubes

This paper investigates the energy-absorption capability of natural fiber cotton fabric/epoxy square tubes. The cross-sectional aspect ratio was varied randomly from 0.50 to 2.57. Quasi-static crushing tests in axial and lateral directions were performed. Experimental results showed that the axially loaded rectangular tubes have higher load carrying capacity and energy absorption capability compared to the laterally loaded tubes. However, laterally crushed tubes have stable crush force efficiency; which means they are safer and more stable energy absorber devices. The experiment also showed that the cross-sectional aspect ratio significantly affects the load carrying and energy absorption capability. The buckling failure mode has been identified as the primary failure mode for the rectangular tubes under the different loading conditions. Tubes with cross-sectional aspect ratio of 2.0 have the best load carrying capacity.