Buckling behavior of CFRP-aluminum alloy hybrid tubes in axial compression

Novel hybrid members, namely, CFRP-Al hybrid tubes, which are composed of Al (aluminum alloy) and CFRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer) jackets, represent promising axial load members in civil engineering. Long CFRP-Al hybrid tubes with circular and square hollow sections are investigated in this study using bending and axial compressive buckling tests. Compression buckling analysis is performed using finite element analysis (FEA) and section analysis, which allow one to better understand the unique “partial elastic buckling” behavior of long hybrid members. In addition, a good agreement between FEA and bucking test results is achieved. Finally, based on FEA and the traditional Perry-Robertson formula, the column curves for long CFRP-Al hybrid tubes are given for design.