Abstract: Carbon/Epoxy composite materials are ideal energy absorbing materials for their square shape energy absorbing curves. A series of carbon/epoxy tubes are tested under static conditions to examine the influence of material systems. Results show that the energy absorbing capability depends not only on the material system properties but also the fiber architecture. Through the comparison of macro failure modes of different tubes, a conclusion is got that making sufficient failure test is the best way to get an excellent energy absorbing structure.

Key words: Carbon/Epoxy composite, tube, energy absorbing, specific energy absorption