A project report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering ABSTRACT In this project, experimental tests were performed on empty and foam-filled bi-tubular composite cone-tubes under axial compression loading. The hand lay-up method was used to fabricate the bi-cone-tubes using jute and glass/epoxy materials. Tube and top cone diameters were 40 mm and 65.6 mm, respectively. Cone semi-apical angles of 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, and 25° were examined. The length of the fabricated tubes and cones was maintained at 110 mm. Polyurethane foam was used as a foam filler. Load-displacement graphs for all the tested specimens were drawn and discussed. Energy absorption, crush force efficiency, and stroke efficiency were calculated and discussed. The effect of cone semi-apical angle, foam filler, and material used on the maximum load and on the absorbed energy were investigated. Crashworthiness analysis was also made based on the results of specific energy absorption, crush force efficiency, and stroke efficiency. Results show that glass/epoxy bi-tubular cone-tubes supported a load 71% higher than the jute-glass/epoxy 52% and jute/epoxy cone-tubes, respectively. It has been found that the foam-filled bi-tubular cone tubes improved the absorbed energy significantly, and the crushing process became more stable than the empty bi-tubular cone tubes. The increase in cone semi-apical angle increases the absorbed energy, crush force efficiency, and the stroke efficiency for both empty and foam-filled bi-tubes. Maximum energy absorption values obtained from the axially crushed bi-tubular cone-tubes were 50%, 49%, and 48% for glass/epoxy, Jute-glass/epoxy, and Jute/epoxy composite materials used.
Dissertation (Degree) - Universiti Teknologi Brunei (2016)
Includes bibliographical references and appendices