A review of the crashworthiness performance of energy absorbing composite structure within the context of materials, manufacturing and maintenance for sustainability

Abstract Energy absorbing structures made from composite materials are lightweight, fuel economical and environmentally friendly. In spite of these advantages, some issues have to be addressed to ensure more efficient energy absorption and crashworthiness performance. Good understanding of the proper material selection, architectural design, fabrication technique as well as repairs and maintenance strategy can guarantee the production, vibration/noise reduction and sustainability of highly efficient energy absorbing composite structures (EACS). In this review, an overview of recent advances of EACS is presented. First, salient explanation of the crashworthiness indices and failure mechanisms during deformation of EACS are given. It then critically examines different composite materials and common manufacturing techniques used for the production of EACS. Different factors affecting the specific energy absorption and energy absorption capacity are detailed. Also, the challenges of EACS with useful proposals and future directions are provided. Moreover, damage assessments as well as composite repairs are also given. Finally, it addresses the need of sensors, green and e-maintenance in EACS for sustainable maintenance.