Numerical and Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Fiber Orientation on Crash Behavior of Composite Hat Shape Energy Absorber

Abstract

Car body lightening and crashworthiness are two important objectives of car design. Due to their excellent performance, composite materials are extensively used in the car industries. In addition, reducing the weight of vehicle is effective in decreasing the fuel consumption. Hat shape energy absorber is used in car’s doors for side impact protection. The aim of these numerical models and experimental tests is to unveil some important fact about using composite materials in hat shape energy absorber and also show the effect of orientation angles on the amount of energy absorption. The effects of different fiber orientation on crushing behavior of hat shape structure are presented.