Abstract:
The main aim of the current study is to investigate the energy absorption response of natural fiber/epoxy composite tubes with different shapes. Three different circular lengths, i.e., 50, 100, and 150 mm were investigated experimentally subjected to axial compression tests. Hand lay-up methods were used to prepare the composite shapes. The results showed that the length factor is significantly affected on the energy carrying capacity of circular tubes reinforced by natural kenaf fiber. Furthermore, the composite tube with a length equal to 100 mm showed higher energy absorption capability with the value of 27.42 J/kg as well as average crashing load and crash force efficiency compared to other tubes.
