Quasi-static crush energy absorption capability of E-glass/polyester and hybrid E-glass–basalt/polyester composite structures

• E-glass fibres have shown the highest specific energy absorption values; 30 kJ/kg.
• Bidirectional E-glass fibres dissipate more energy by axial splitting.
• Unidirectional E-glass fibres dissipate more energy by delamination.
• Bidirectional basalt fibres have shown unstable collapse due to buckling.
• Hybrid E-glass/basalt configuration has shown stable and progressive collapse.

Feasibility of basalt fibre composites for automotive crash applications has been analysed and compared with E-glass fibre composites in the present study. Semi-hexagonal composite structures with different stacking sequences of E-glass and basalt fibres have been tested in quasi-static crush conditions and specific energy absorption (SEA) capability has been calculated. Samples with unidirectional and bidirectional E-glass fibres have shown the highest SEA values, around 30 kJ/kg. However different deformation mechanisms of energy absorption have been observed. On the other side, basalt/polyester samples have exhibited unstable collapse due to buckling effect during crushing process. Therefore the crush behaviour of the present basalt/polyester configuration is not suitable for automotive crash applications. Regarding the hybrid configuration using E-glass and basalt fibres with polyester, it has been shown that unstable collapse problems of basalt/polyester have been avoided. However the SEA values for this configuration are lower comparing with those values obtained by E-glass/polyester configurations. Adhesion between fibre plies of different material has caused delamination with low energy absorption capability.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide