Crushing Behaviour of Nested Composite Crash Tubes

Abstract

In this study, crushing behavior of composite nested tube structures is investigated by using experimental techniques. Composite nested tubes could be considered as energy absorbers in the shield structure of space vehicles. Three different composite nested tubes are manufactured and tested under quasi static loading. The effects of the tube levels on the deformation behavior which are different from inside to outside for each sample are investigated and results are compared in terms of force response and failure mechanism. It is demonstrated that stepped tubes have advantages over conventional ones.