Quasi-Static Axial Crushing Behaviour of Composite Hemi-Spherical Shells

Experimental investigations were carried out to investigate the energy absorption capability and load-carrying capacity of hemi-spherical composite shells subjected to quasi-static axial compressive load. The hemi-spherical shell specimens were fabricated by hand lay-up fabrication process in which the fibre was mixed with the matrix. Two types of resins were explored (polyester and epoxy) two types of fibre were also studied (woven glass fibre and woven carbon fibre). Four different R/t ratios of hemi-spherical composite shells were investigated as well as four different shells cross section area (A) were studied. A description of typical crushing modes and mechanisms of energy absorption for hemi-spherical composite shells is presented. Results showed that epoxy resin has higher value of load- caring capacity and energy-absorption capability than polyester resin. The results also show that the carbon fibre has higher value of load-carrying capacity and energy-absorption capability than glass fibre. The results of R/t ratio and area (A) of shells also show that the specific energy absorption capability of hemispherical shells increases with reducing both of the geometry values.

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