High-end carbon fiber tubes are widely used in many fields that require lightweight and high performance. In-depth exploration of their axial compression failure modes and energy absorption characteristics is crucial for optimizing design and ensuring safe use.
First, the failure modes of carbon fiber tubes under axial compression are diverse. In the initial stage, when the axial pressure gradually increases, the carbon fiber tube may first experience local fiber buckling. Due to the anisotropy and laminated structure of the carbon fiber tube, some fiber layers begin to lose stability and bend under pressure. As the pressure increases further, the tube wall may be delaminated due to stress transfer and bonding failure between different layers. For example, in some complex aerospace structures, the delamination of carbon fiber tubes may trigger a chain reaction, resulting in a rapid decrease in the overall structural bearing capacity. Ultimately, the carbon fiber tube may collapse or break as a whole, which is often accompanied by fiber breaking and matrix crushing. Its failure morphology is closely related to factors such as the weaving method, number of layers, and resin content of the carbon fiber tube.
Secondly, the energy absorption characteristics of carbon fiber tubes during axial compression are relatively complex. In the elastic deformation stage, the carbon fiber tube absorbs energy mainly by storing elastic strain energy, and its energy absorption is related to the elastic modulus and deformation of the material. With the gradual development of the failure mode, such as fiber buckling and delamination, the energy absorption mechanism changes. At this time, the friction between the fiber and the matrix, the fiber breakage, and the friction of the delamination interface begin to become the main energy absorption mode. For example, the carbon fiber tube used in the collision buffer structure of the car uses the energy dissipation mechanism in these destruction processes to effectively absorb the collision energy and protect the safety of the occupants. Different failure modes correspond to different energy absorption efficiencies. Reasonable design of the structural parameters of the carbon fiber tube can optimize its energy absorption characteristics.
Furthermore, there are many factors that affect the axial compression failure mode and energy absorption characteristics of the carbon fiber tube. In terms of materials, the type of carbon fiber (such as T300, T700, etc.), fiber volume fraction, and the properties of the resin matrix (such as toughness, modulus, etc.) play a key role. In terms of structural parameters, the tube diameter, wall thickness, number of layers, and braiding angle will affect its performance under axial compression. For example, increasing the wall thickness and the number of layers can increase the load-bearing capacity and total energy absorption of the carbon fiber tube, but may reduce its energy absorption efficiency. In addition, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity will also affect the performance of the carbon fiber tube. High temperature may cause the resin matrix to soften, reducing the overall strength and energy absorption capacity of the carbon fiber tube.
Finally, the research results on the axial compression failure mode and energy absorption characteristics of high-end carbon fiber tube have important guiding significance in practical applications. In the field of aerospace, the design of carbon fiber tubes in structures such as landing gear and fuselage frames of aircraft can be optimized according to the research results, while ensuring strength, improving energy absorption capacity and reducing structural weight. In the field of sports equipment, such as bicycle frames and golf clubs, these characteristics can be used to improve product performance and safety, providing athletes with a better user experience. At the same time, the research also provides a theoretical basis for the further development of new carbon fiber tube materials and structures, and promotes the wide application of high-end carbon fiber tubes in more fields.
