Effects of structural parameters on radial crashworthiness of 3D braided hybrid tubes with Janus structure

Hybrid fiber reinforced plastic (HFRP) composites have been widely used in various fields, but delamination is a fatal damage mode in laminated hybrid tubes. In the current paper, carbon fibers/Kevlar fibers hybrid tubes with Janus structure were fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) tubular braiding technique. The radial crushing performances of 3D braided Janus hybrid tubes were analyzed while hybrid layer ratio and yarn type were both considered. With the increase of hybrid layer ratio from 1:3 to 2:2 to 3:1, the specific energy absorption (SEA) increased 149% and 21.39% for specimens with carbon fibers placed on the skin region, and that decreased 12.46% and 10.66% for samples with Kevlar fibers arranged on the skin region. Furthermore, samples with Kevlar fibers arranged on the skin region presented excellent radial crashworthiness. The current work could be helpful for the design, fabrication and application of HFRP tubes.