Polyurethane Safety Foam Performance Map for Material Selection and Design in Vehicle and Occupant Impact Protection

A performance map for polyurethane energy managing foam is presented as a heuristic tool in the selection of appropriate formulation and density. Dynamic data was mapped to material characterization data. Material characterization was accomplished by quasi-static compression testing ASTM D-1621. The D-1621 data was correlated with 24.1 km/hr (15 mph) head impact data and 8.05 km/hr (5 mph) bumper impact data. For example, Head Injury Criterion (HIC) values were correlated with D-1621 compressive strengths which were mapped to polyurethane formulations and densities. The performance map can save time and money by identifying appropriate formulation and density.