Energy Absorption of an Abaca-Polyester Composite Material in Simulated Impact Tests

Abstract

The present investigation analyzes the energy absorption properties of a polyester matrix composite material with abaca fiber reinforcement in search of an alternative material that can replace or reinforce certain elements of the frontal structure of a bus and reduce the risk of driver's physical injury during a frontal collision. Mechanical tests were carried out with a 70% polyester and 30% abaca composite material, by volume, using a 5*50*3 mm square tubular shape with two reinforcement configurations – continuous longitudinal and discontinuous fiber of 10 mm at random. The mechanical properties required to simulate a frontal crash were obtained, substituting critical parts of the impact structure in an interprovincial bus. The composite material with longitudinal continuous fiber was analyzed, which showed improvements in the energy absorption capacity of the frontal structure of a bus.

Keywords

• abacá-polyester, composite material, driver safety, frontal impact simulation.