Braided FRP crash structures

Description of the crash behavior of fiber reinforced plastics based on braided performs

More and more automobile structural components are being made of fibre reinforced plastics (FRP). Next to the potential weight saving FRP crash structures offer a superior energy absorption behaviour compared to metallic structures. In particular braided structures are well suitable as a basis for FRP crash structures because of their superior energy absorption capability. The braiding technology enables the automated production of complex, near net shape structures in short cycle times.

The aim of this research project is the fundamental description of the structural properties of braided FRP and its simulation by means of FEM. Current deficits are the insufficient prediction of the material behaviour of braided FRP structures. Furthermore there are no detailed investigations available regarding the influence of fibre material, fibre orientation and the interaction of fibre and matrix on the energy absorption behaviour and on crash properties of such structures. In preliminary studies it was realised that the influence of braiding fibres and axial fibres on the energy absorption capability is currently not quite describable.

In this research project test methods will be developed to describe the material behaviour of braided FRP structures. So the required material parameters can be determined. The derived material properties facilitate the development of a modelling method for the finite element method. This method contains a suitable material model for the braiding structure as well as am approach to describe the delamination. The results of the tests and simulation will be used to build up a data and dimensioning tool. Thus in the future structures can be adapted to the real loading condition and their failure mechanism can be predicted.