Energy absorption of 2D triaxial braided composite structures

Braided composite structures exhibit very effective energy absorption compared to traditional materials. A material model for 2D triaxial braided composite structures will be presented in the first part of this paper. Based on this material model, an energy absorption study will be carried out by means of the finite element method. 3P bending structures with various material systems will be analyzed. Load-displacement curves, deformation energy-displacement curves and weight savings will be shown for steel, glassfiber, carbon fiber and a hybrid material system. Deformed structures will also be shown for several deformation levels.