The energy absorption potential of chain composites

Various chain composites designed to exhibit delocalized damage and high-en ergy absorption have been fabricated and tested. The energy absorbed per un it volume ranges up to 55 MJ/m(3) and the specific energy absorption up to 14 J/g, figures comparable to or exceeding the best current candidate mater ials for energy absorption. Observations of damage mechanisms are reported and related to a previously derived model appropriate to chain composites w ith matrices that are relatively weak in tension. Estimates of the energy a bsorption levels that could be achieved in the optimal case are then made b ased on modeling arguments. These are found to exceed 160 MJ/m(3) or 40 J/g . (C) 2000 Acta Metallurgica Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.