Geometry, Load Spreading, and Polymeric Foam Energy Absorber Design

This paper proposes a new design procedure and energy absorption models that improve material and absorber geometry selection for given service conditions. Design diagrams are constructed that show the energy absorption of uniaxial and trapezoidal absorber geometries as a function of foam density and strain rate for closed cell polyethylene packaging foam. Design constraints including load spreading, buckling, creep, and material costs are addressed. Energy absorption models are developed that generate design data incorporating load spreading, impacting object geometry, polymer deformation and gas compression that agrees within ten percent of measured values.