Experimental and numerical study on CFRP tubes under axial crushing

The end strengthened thick tubes with different aspect ratio and laminate samples made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite were prepared. Quasi-static and axial impact compression experiments in the range of 7.67~12.01 m·s^-1 were carried out. The effects of aspect ratio, impact velocity, and the end-strengthening on the axial compressive strength and failure model of CFRP tubes were studied. In-plane compression tests with different strain rates were conducted on the laminate samples. Numerical simulations were performed by using ANSYS/LS-DYNA on the response of CFRP tube subjected to the dynamic impacting by drop weight. The results indicate that the progressive failure mode from the end is prevented, and the axial compressive strength is also enhanced effectively by end-strengthening of the CFRP tube. In addition, the compressive strength displays a marked strain rate strengthening effect for CFRP tubes and laminate samples. Numerical results are in good correlation with experimental results.