Lightweight cost-effective hybrid materials for energy absorption applications

The present paper experimentally explores the influence of the fiber hybridization and layering sequence on crashworthiness behavior and deformation history of polymer/metal thin-walled pipes. Jute (J)/glass (G) reinforced epoxy over wrapped aluminum (Al) pipes were prepared via hand wet wrapping then subjected to axial quasi-static compressive loads. The load versus displacement plots and crashing indicators, i.e. peak crushing load ([Formula: see text] ), mean crushing load ([Formula: see text] ), total energy absorption ([Formula: see text] , specific energy absorption [Formula: see text] , and crush force efficiency [Formula: see text] were determined. Experimental results revealed that the maximum [Formula: see text] was recorded for Al/2J/4G/2J pipe with a value of about 42.92 kJ/g, with an enhancement of 20.56% in [Formula: see text] compared with pure Al-pipes. Al/2J/4G/2J specimens display the maximum ([Formula: see text] , [Formula: see text] , and [Formula: see text] and could be employed as energy absorbing members in automobiles.