Effect of Test Velocity on the Specific Energy Absorption under Progressive Crushing of Composite Tubes

The paper presents the results of the compression tests for carbon-epoxy composites in order to assess the amount of energy absorbed depending on the process velocity and content of axial fibres. Two types of prepreg (UD 200 g/m(2) and woven 160 g/m(2)) were used to prepare the specimens with a diameter of 20 mm and a height of 34 mm. The specimens were subjected to compression under various speed conditions (static, dynamic and SHPB tests). The calculated specific energy absorption values showed a 50-60% decrease with increasing process velocity and depending on the type of specimens architecture. The highest energy values were absorbed by the specimens with the highest share of axial fibres in the sample.