Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31217/p.38.2.4
Seawater exposure effect on crashworthiness of CFRP tubes
Tino Načinović
orcid.org/0009-0006-6130-2637
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
*
Goran Vukelić
orcid.org/0000-0002-9472-9630
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
Benjamin Mihaljec
orcid.org/0009-0000-0651-2558
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
Ljubomir Pozder
orcid.org/0000-0003-1483-069X
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of seawater exposure on the crashworthiness of two types of carbon/epoxy composite tubes under quasi-static compression. Carbon/epoxy composites, widely used in maritime structures due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, may experience altered mechanical properties when exposed to harsh marine conditions. To evaluate these effects, quasi-static crushing tests were conducted on composite tubes after a one-month exposure to natural seawater. Composite tubes were manufactured using hand layup and prepreg technique. By analyzing the behavior of these composite structures under controlled compression, the study aims to provide insights into their structural integrity in marine environments. Results indicate a significant impact of seawater exposure on the crashworthiness of carbon/epoxy composites. The maximum tensile force is considerably lower after the exposure, and hand layup specimens generally withstand the exposure much better than prepregs. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of material behavior in marine applications, offering practical guidelines for designing and maintaining composite-based maritime infrastructure.
Keywords
composites,CFRP,material degradation,sea environment,crashworthiness
Hrčak ID:
324328
URI
Publication date:
20.12.2024.
Visits: 780 *