Experimental and finite element analysis of CFRP strengthened aluminum tubes flexure behavior

This study investigates the effect of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) sheets on the flexure behavior of structural square cross-sectioned aluminum tubes. The specimens were extruded from an aluminum alloy 6063-T6 and shaped into hollow square tubes. Four-point bending tests were performed on three samples with different CFRP wrapping that included; (1) virgin (not strengthened), (2) strengthened with two layers of CFRP, and (3) strengthened with four layers of CFRP. Experimental tests were conducted and compared with finite element analysis. The load was applied by bearing plates that acted across each specimen section's full flange width. The results showed that wrapping CFRP on the aluminum structures increases the flexural strength of the aluminum by approximately by three times. A finite element model (FEM) was developed to simulate the four-point bending experimental tests for the three specimens. FEM results depicted that the use of CFRP materials is a powerful technique for strengthening aluminum structural members, which results in an increase in the load-carrying capacity and an increase in stiffness. The finite element analysis depicted good agreement with the experimental results.