Abstract: The influence of filament winding angle on bending properties and failure mode is studied. Results revealed ±45° laminate and pipe present the maximum failure strain. ±45° winded products have the highest deformability when subjected bending load and the radius of curvature is 0.35m after rupture. When winding angle increases, flexibility of FRP pipe decreases drastically. Radius of curvature after rupture is 0.53m when winding angle is 60°, increased by 51% compared to ±45 winding. As the winding angle increases, failure mode turns from buckling to material failure. Increasing winding angle can effectively suppress buckling.

Key words: FRP tubes, winding angle, four-point bending, failure mode