Impact and crashworthiness are two critical aspects of composite structures, approached in contrasting ways. Impacts, whether high-energy or low-energy, can lead to failures in these materials. Therefore, it is essential to understand these phenomena in order to improve design requirements and enhance the overall performance of composite structures. Conversely, crashworthiness refers to the effective use of material failure as a beneficial mechanism, allowing for the dissipation of impact energy to protect occupants or goods within a vehicle.

This session will explore innovative research, methodologies, and applications related to the performance of composite materials and structures in impact and crash scenarios. The session particularly encourages contributions that focus on advancements in energy absorption mechanisms, progressive damage evolution, high-rate material behaviour, and failure mode characterisation. Case studies from the automotive, aerospace, and emerging mobility sectors are welcome, alongside fundamental academic investigations. Additionally, experimental, analytical, and/or numerical studies are welcome