Abstract
We have been researching the energy absorption of FRP tubes so far in our WG activity. Based on such a valuable knowledge, we are trying to apply the FRPs as crash absorbers for vehicles. Especially, these FRPs are useful for crash boxes for the purpose of absorbing energy generated at a low impact speed due to the peculiar energy absorption properties of FRP tubes. These FRP crash boxes are light weight and low-priced products because the resin of these crash boxes is the thermoplastic polypropylene and the fiber is the continuous strand mat. Additionally, FRP crash boxes are available to be recycled. We had initially surveyed the energy absorption properties of some current commercial crash boxes which are made from steel. Afterwards, we have developed crash boxes which made from glass fiber reinforced plastics refer to the results of the above-mentioned survey. We report the results of the assessment of FRP crash boxes that we developed.
