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Static and Dynamic Tests of An Axially-Collapsing Structure Concept of a Front End Energy Absorber for a Vehicle
Technical Paper
865073
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
Cylindrical columns/round section rails have been found to
possess greater energy absorption, weight efficiency and crush
folding stability than other shapes, for example, squares or
rectangles.
The stucture described in this paper represents a design concept
of a vehicle front end energy absorbing member, here, simplified to
facilitate experimentation and analysis, which utilizes round
section rails for a controlled axial collapse mode. Two rails,
36" long, 3.5" in diameter and 0.038" thick, were
made of 980 XK high strength steel and were mounted on a truss-type
backup structure simulating an interface with the passenger
compartment. The rails were designed to be capable of absorbing 50%
of the kinetic energy of a 1550 lb vehicle crashing at 40 mph into
a fixed barrier. The structure was statically crushed, exhibiting a
stable progressive mode of collapse. The dynamic performance of the
structure was evaluated in two steps: it was first crashed to
simulate a 35 mph impact with a fixed barrier, and then recrashed
to simulate in the aggregate a 40 mph barrier impact. The structure
folded progressively and stably, achieving the design goal.
This paper describes the static and dynamic crush experiments on
the energy absorbing rail elements, subassemblies, and the complete
assembly. Highlights of the test results are presented. Finally,
applications of this rail design concept to other vehicle
structural components are discussed.