Study on axial crushing characteristics of GFRP tube

Abstract In this study, the crushing behavior and failure mechanism of orthogonal layup GFRP tubes under axial compression were analyzed by combining experiments and simulations. The test results show that the tubes are subjected to steady state crushing, including elastic compression, progressive crushing, and compaction. The failure is dominated by matrix-dominated intra-layer/inter-layer crack growth (Type I opening crack and Type II shear crack), with minimal fiber fracture. The finite element model developed in ABAQUS/Explicit successfully replicates the experimental load-displacement trends and total energy absorption characteristics, demonstrating a 4.4% deviation from test results. The simulation further indicates significantly greater matrix damage areas compared to fiber damage, consistent with experimental observations.