Application of Empirical Relationship Developed for Ultra-High Strength Steels in Bumper Design

A typical U.S. bumper system is designed to meet a number of dynamic test requirements as established by the U.S. government (FMVSS 215 part 581), the Canadian government, and internal corporate standards. Predicting bumper performance saves time and money, and reduces validation testing. A method to determine the required minimum thickness of an ultra-high strength sheet steel beam in a bumper system has been devised. Designing of bumper systems utilizing ultra-high strength steel beams is facilitated, which might result in lower cost and lighter weight systems. This method can also be used to design ultra-high strength steel beams with decreased depth, compensating in thickness, and increased sweep.