Analysis of a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Impact Attenuator for a Formula SAE Vehicle Using Finite Element Analysis

<p>The Hashin failure criteria and damage evolution model for laminated fiber reinforced polymers are explored. A series of tensile coupon finite element analyses are run to characterize the variables in the physical model as well as modeling techniques for using an explicit dynamic solver for a quasi-static problem. An attempt to validate the model on an axial tube crush is presented. It was found that fiber buckling was not occurring at the impactor-tube interface. Results and speculation as to why the failure initiation is incorrect are discussed. Lessons learned from the tube crush are applied successfully to the quasi-static Formula SAE nosecone crush test. The model is validated by experimental data and the impact metrics between the test and model are within 5%. Future work and possible optimization techniques are discussed.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Rappolt, John T

Contributors dc:contributor

• Joseph Mello

• FEA
• carbon fiber
• progressive damage
• Hashin
• Automotive Engineering
• Computer-Aided Engineering and Design
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechanics of Materials

Identifier

10.15368/theses.2015.82

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.calpoly.edu:theses-2543