The collapse characteristics of CFRP hat-shaped section members under axial compression

The front-end side members of automobiles, such as the hat-shaped section member, absorb the most of the energy during the front-end collision. The side members absorb more energy in collision if they have higher strength and stiffness, and stable folding capacity (local buckling). Using the above characteristics on energy absorption, vehicle should be designed light-weight to improve fuel combustion ratio and reduce exhaust gas. Because of their specific strength and stiffness, CFRP are currently being considered for many structural (aerospace vehicle, automobiles, trains and ships) applications due to their potential for reducing structural weight. Although CFRP members exhibit collapse modes that are significantly different from the collapse modes of metallic materials, numerous studies have shown that CFRP members can be efficient energy absorbing materials. In this study, the CFRP hat-shaped section members were manufactured using a uni-directional prepreg sheet of carbon/Epoxy and axial collapse tests were performed for the section members. The collapse mode and the energy absorption capability of the section members were analyzed under the static load.