Exploring the effect of nanoclay addition on energy absorption capability of laterally loaded glass/epoxy composite tubes

The energy absorption capability of laterally loaded glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) tubular components containing montmorillonite clay (MC) was explored in this article. GFRP components filled with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt% of MC were created using wet‐wrapping by hand lay‐up techniques. For the laterally loaded tubes, the crushing load and the energy absorption versus displacement responses were presented. In addition, deformation histories were tracked. The energy absorption analysis was carried out by evaluating the initial peak load (Fip), total energy absorption, and specific absorbed energy. Also, a mathematical regression models were built to predict the energy absorption indicators. Furthermore, the optimal MC wt% is determined using a multi‐attribute decision making method called complex proportional assessment. Overall results demonstrated that the suggested GFRP tubes containing 4 wt% of MC exhibited unique energy absorption capability. Highlights The designed tubes, that is, GFRP tubes filled with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt% of montmorillonite clay (MC) were created using wet‐wrapping by hand lay‐up techniques. The fabricated tubes were subjected to lateral compression loads to investigate their energy absorption capability. The crushing load and energy absorption versus displacement curves were accessible. Furthermore, the deformation histories were traced. Regression models were built to predict the energy absorption indicators. In addition, complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) is used to find the optimum MC wt%. The designed tubes, that is, GFRP tubes filled with 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt% of montmorillonite clay (MC) were created using wet‐wrapping by hand lay‐up techniques. The crushing load and energy absorption versus displacement curves were accessible. Furthermore, the deformation histories were traced. Regression models were built to predict the energy absorption indicators. In addition, complex proportional assessment (COPRAS) is used to find the optimum MC wt%.