Investigation into the Energy Absorption Capacity of Reinforced Composite by 3D weft-knitted Fabrics

Document Type : Research/ Original/ Regular Article

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Abstract

For many engineering applications, the ability to absorb energy is of highest priority in selection of materials and designing structures, especially structures that go under the impact forces during their application. Body of the vehicles should display high performance to protect passengers against impacts and collisions. This matter, has found double importance with increasing speed and number of vehicles. Auxiliary equipments, such as protective safety helmet, also need to have high energy absorption capacity. Honey combs, sponges, and corals are examples found in nature. Cellular textile composites due to several advantages such as low weight, high strength and energy absorption are frequently used. In this paper, energy absorption capability of PVC-foam reinforced by 3D weft-knitted fabrics has been examined. The energy absorption of 3D weft-knitted fabric composites was investigated based on their tensile and compression properties. From the test results it was found that the foam filled composite egg-box panels showed good energy absorption capacity with smooth stress–strain curves which resembles the ideal energy absorber.

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