Post-impact crush of hybrid braided composite tubes

The effect of lateral impact simulating prior damage, on the progressive cr ush characteristics of 2D-braided composite tubes is investigated. The emph asis of the investigation is on hybridization through the combined use of c arbon, glass and/or aramid yarns, as well as through changes in braid yarn yield, and the use of different braid patterns. It is shown that the use of hybrids can lead to significant enhancement of crash-worthiness, and to th e development of stable and well-defined damage mechanisms and their influe nce on characteristics of crush response. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.