A review of experimental and numerical activities on composites crashworthiness performed at the University of Bologna

The paper presents a summary of experimental and simulation activities carried out by Masterlab research group at the University of Bologna in the last decade. Activities started in 2004 with laboratory set-up and with collaborations on the testing of flat specimen, which led to the development of a geometry for self-supporting corrugated specimen. On the latter geometry, a study on edgewise and internal triggering solutions focused on their effect on crushing response and design implications for typical structures. Lastly, a test campaign is implemented to calibrate a Continuum Damage Mechanics model into the FE code Pam-Crash, validated on all previous experimental activities.