For the axial crushing tests of various shape of tubes, it was reported that composite tubes need trigger mechanism to avoid brittle failure. In this study, static axial crush tests were performed with the new aluminum/GFRP hybrid tubes. Glass/Epoxy prepregs were wrapped around aluminum tube and co-cured. Glass/Epoxy tubes were also made for the purpose of comparison with hybrid tubes. The failure of hybrid tube was stable and progressive without trigger mechanism, and specific energy absorption was increased to maximum 33% in comparison with aluminum tube. The best energy absorption performance was obtained for the 90° plies hybrid tube. Effective energy absorption is possible for inner aluminum tube because wrapped composite tube constrains the deflection of aluminum tube. The failure of hybrid tube was stable without trigger mechanism because inner aluminum tube could play the role of crack initiator and controller.
Mean crushing load could be calculated by modifying plastic hinge collapse model for hybrid material. Anisotropic material properties were considered. And results of this analytical model coincide with experiments well. Aluminum/Glass-Epoxy hybrid tube is suitable for the vehicle front structure due to effective energy absorption capability, easy production, and simple application for RTM process.
