Braided composite beams with an I-shaped cross-section, i.e, braided I-beam
s, possess high bending stiffness because fibers con stituting the braiding
structure are continuously oriented. Axial compression loading of a braide
d I-beam leads to progressive crushing when a chamfer is cut on one end. Th
is configuration results in high energy-absorption performance. It is there
fore possible to retain the space of a vehicle compartment in frontal and l
ateral collisions so that, in the automotive industry, it is useful for the
side members of vehicles. To examine the energy-absorption mechanism of br
aided I-beams, observations have been made of the crush zone of a partially
crushed I-beam. The crushing mechanism of a braided I-beam is similar to t
hat of a composite cylinder in which reinforcing fibers are oriented in axi
al and hoop directions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.