Numerical modelling and experimental validation of the crushing behaviour and energy absorption characteristics of CFRP structural assemblies

Abstract

Composite thin-walled structures subjected to crushing loads exhibit complex damage evolution and energy dissipation mechanisms, and their energy-absorbing capabilities are critical to the development of crashworthy designs. CFRP support-column assemblies, which function as major energy absorbers in aircraft subfloor structures, therefore warrant detailed investigation into their crushing response and their influence on the crashworthiness of the overall structural system. This study provides a configuration-specific quantitative assessment of how end-trigger geometry and cargo-column inclination govern the progressive crushing and energy-absorption performance of T700/BA9916 CFRP C-shaped cargo columns and their assemblies. The numerical models were validated against experimental data to ensure accuracy and reliability. A comparative analysis of various triggering mechanisms was conducted to evaluate their influence on the energy absorption characteristics of the C-shaped columns. Additionally, the effect of column inclination angle on the crashworthiness of the lower cargo composite structure was systematically examined. The results indicate that a 45° chamfer trigger is the optimal design for cargo columns and a column angle of 90° provides the best crashworthiness for the lower cargo composite structure. The validated numerical investigation not only elucidates the progressive failure mechanisms of the composite columns but also provides quantitative guidance for the optimizing trigger geometries and column angles to improve the crashworthiness performance of aircraft subfloor structures.