Evaluation of Various Energy Absorption Mechanisms Using FEA and Its Validation

Crashworthiness of vehicle calls for effective and controlled energy absorption. Design of energy absorbers for maximum energy absorption capacity at minimum transmitted force is always a challenge. A number of mechanisms for energy absorption are available e.g. axial collapse, tearing of tubes, honeycomb structures, etc. A study was carried out to understand the effect of various parameters like material properties, thickness, cross sections, etc on energy absorption and transmitted force. The optimum combinations of the above parameters were arrived at by detailed analysis. Static and dynamic testing was carried out to validate the simulation results. The methodology can be used to design energy absorbers for automotive as well as railway coach applications.