Impact Testing of High-Density Semirigid Urethane Foam for Automotive Bumper Applications

Semirigid urethane-foam specimens of various high densities were evaluated when subjected to simulated heavy-mass impacts such as in low-speed automobile collisions. The dynamic test results showed excellent material-energy absorption with essentially no compression sets, even after many repeated impacts of high deflection. These findings, coupled together with the well-known tough physical properties of urethanes, provide an outstanding candidate material that can be used to effectively reduce the damage to support structures and contact surfaces, not only in automotive applications but in any other application requiring a reduction of shock forces.