Influence of weave type on specific energy absorption in carbon/epoxy composites used for impact energy-absorbing structures

In this work, experimental studies of the compression of carbon/epoxy composite specimens in quasi-static conditions were performed to determine the amount of energy absorbed during this process. Specimens in the shape of pipes of two diameters were produced using a unidirectional (UD) prepreg with an areal density of 200 g/m2 and a plain weave (PW) prepreg with an areal density of 204 g/m2. Experimental studies have shown that using the UD prepreg, the price of which is comparable to the PW prepreg, it is possible to obtain 39% greater specific energy absorption (SEA) for specimens with a diameter of 20 mm and 52% more SEA for specimens with a diameter of 42 mm.