Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2008

Abstract

Crashworthiness is a material's ability to absorb energy during a vehicle crash. Modern automobiles, aircraft, rail vehicles, and marine vessels incorporate crashworthy structures. The use of composite materials, with their high specific strength and stiffness, can result in efficient and safe vehicles. Mechanical testing is essential for obtaining a deeper understanding of the crash-worthiness capabilities of composite materials. This review highlights the many aspects involved in crashworthiness testing of composites, including a brief overview of the field of crashworthiness, general crushing behavior, typical testing methodologies, and the effect of the loading rate and friction on test results.

Volume

40

Issue

4

First Page

5

Last Page

26

Comments

Originally published in Journal of Advanced Materials, Volume 40, Issue 4, pp. 5-26, (2008).

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