Repeated energy absorption and multiple compressive responses of thermoplastic composite hierarchical cylindrical structures

Thermoplastic composite hierarchical cylindrical structures (TCHCS) have the characteristics of deformation recovery and secondary load-carrying capacities, which are desirable in engineering structures suffering multiple/repeated loads. This study investigated the repeated load carrying and energy-absorbing mechanism of TCHCS for possible promotion in the industry. Multiple compression tests were conducted to characterize the repeatable mechanism. Experimental observation illustrated that the elastic bending and tension on circular ribs and residual elasticity of axial ribs after plastic hinges formation were crucial reasons for structural repeated energy absorption capacity. Compared to the first-time load indices, the loading carrying capacity maintained about 50%, deformation recovery ratio reached 0.77, and cyclic energy-absorbing ratio reached 0.2-0.5, varying with compressive distances. A theoretical model is established to predict the energy absorption by deformation stages, agreed well with experiments with the simplify of the complex elastic-plastic energy absorption mechanism. The individual contribution of cores and face sheets claimed structural energy absorption was controllable, which supplied a means to regulate the energy absorption by stages.

Automated summary

This study investigates the repeated load carrying and energy-absorbing mechanism of thermoplastic composite hierarchical cylindrical structures (TCHCS) and establishes a theoretical model to predict the energy absorption by deformation stages, providing means for regulating energy absorption.