Low-velocity/Low-energy Impact Response of Khaya (Khaya ivorensis) for Sustainable Mobility Applications
Riccardo HOUNGBEGNON, Bruno CASTANIÉ, Valery DOKO, José XAVIER, Rostand MOUTOU PITTI
Abstract. The growing urgency of environmental protection and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are driving a transition toward more sustainable materials in engineering applications. In the mobility sector, particular attention is being paid to the integration of renewable and low-carbon materials capable of combining structural performance with reduced environmental impact. Among bio-based materials, wood emerges as a promising candidate due to its renewability, low carbon footprint, and favorable mechanical properties. Its high strength-to-weight ratio and natural energy-absorbing capacity make it particularly attractive for applications where impact resistance and lightweight design are critical. This study examines the impact resistance of khaya (Khaya ivorensis). This species was selected to assess the potential of a tropical hardwood for advanced engineering applications. Drop-weight impact tests were conducted at low-velocity/low-energy levels, which correspond to common uses of structures and that are critical for innovative structures. At impact energies of 5, 10 and 15 J, Khaya ivorensis absorbed on average 3.1, 6.7 and 10.2 J, respectively, showing a stable and predictable response governed by stiffness rather than by extensive deformation.
Keywords
Wood, Mobility, Low-Velocity, Low-Energy Impact, Energy Absorption
Published online 11/8/2026, 4 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Riccardo HOUNGBEGNON, Bruno CASTANIÉ, Valery DOKO, José XAVIER, Rostand MOUTOU PITTI, Low-velocity/Low-energy Impact Response of Khaya (Khaya ivorensis) for Sustainable Mobility Applications, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 73, pp 43-46, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904459-9
The article was published as article 9 of the book Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
References
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