Experimental investigation on axial compression failure mode of carbon fiber reinforced polymer/plastic cylindrical shell with moderate thickness wall

Some quasi-static axial compression experiments and axial impulsive compression experiments in the velocity range of 7. 67~12. 01 m/s are carried out for the carbon fiber reinforced polymer/plastic(CFRP)cylindrical shells with moderate thickness walls and different aspect ratios. The influences of aspect ratios, impact velocity and end-strengthening on the axial compressive strength are discussed. The experiment results indicate that the damage mode of specimen with end-strengthening is overall instability, the progressive failure mode of 'blossoming' can be avoided, and the axial compressive strength is enhanced effectively. Also, in the range of strain rates mentioned above, the axial compressive strength displays a marked strain rate strengthening effect.