A Simplified Approach for Non-Linear Impact Analysis of Vehicle Bumpers

A simplified numerical approach was used to evaluate the dynamic deflections of bumper systems under impact. The analysis was performed using a nonlinear structural finite element computer code, WRECKER-F, developed by Ford Motor Company. Five cases consisting of different mesh size models and boundary conditions for the center impact by a pendulum were simulated and four cases for corner impact were studied. It was found that this simplified approach is accurate enough to be used for preliminary evaluations of bumper impact performance.