Composite-polymer materials for energy-absorbing structures

On the basis of the results obtained from our own experimental investigations of energy- absorbing elements, the influence of the given factors on absorbed energy (WEA) was determined. The objects of the research were the samples made of epoxy composites reinforced with glass fibres formed in roving, roving stripes and glass mat as well as with carbon fibres formed in roving and carbon roving stripes. To investigate the capability of hitting energy absorption of the samples in the shape of tubes, the truncate cones and in the shape of a thin cuboid were taken under consideration. The sample in the shape of tubes, wavy coats and thin cuboids with angle 45° (on one edge), play the role of the initiator of progressive destruction process. The composites matrix was taken into account during investigations: epoxy, the vinyl-esters, polyetheretherketones, reinforced with carbon and glass fibres with different structures of the samples. The influence of the sample geometry and the orientation of the layers in carbon / epoxide and the ar amid / the epoxide composites on the WEA absorption value were presented in the papers. The comparison of the structures made f rom single elements with relevant structures of four elements shows that absorbed energy is accumulating. In this case the relative absorbed energy remains at the similar level.