Extreme thermal, mechanical, and radiation contraints, as well as minimization of non-payload mass and optimization of science return necessitate a composite structure. For maximum performance, a systems oriented approach, taking into account all other aspects of the spacecraft, is required in the design. Automotive Composites Consortium Structural crashworthiness is an essential requirement in the design of automobiles. In the event of a crash, a properly designed structure will absorb the impact energy in a controlled manner, such that the passenger cell is brought to rest safely and the occupants are protected from exposure to large decelerations. Traditionally, metals have been used in designs for energy absorption.
Metals are ductile and absorb energy through plastic deformation.
Increasing demands for lightweight and fuel efficient vehicles, coupled with an increase in crashworthiness, are forcing a move towards the use of tailored materials. Recent studies have shown that, when properly designed, composite materials can absorb a greater amount of energy per unit mass than metals. Most structural composites are brittle and absorb energy through a complex combination of fracture mechanisms including matrix cracking, delamination, and fiber breakage. The energy absorption characteristics of composite materials are strongly dependent on the fiber architecture. This study will focus on characterizing the energy absorption behaviour of 2-D braided composite tubes under compressive axial loads.