Realization via Dynamic Testing with Glass-Fibre Reinforced Plastics - Interpretations for Bumper Systems

Today the new situation in the areas of energy and raw materials is exercising a tangible influence on the use of plastics in European automotive engineering. New attitudes towards the situation as regards raw materials and energy emphasize the importance of plastics as future-oriented materials. Plastomers, duromers and elastomers are being shown to be usable not only for the bodywork but also for exterior components of the car which are subjected to high mechanical stress. The extent to which lightweight construction can realistically be applied to the area of bumper systems using composite materials and the question as to whether or not these high polymers can make it possible to save enough energy to meet with economy requirements will be discussed here. In addition, the findings arising from the determination of deformation-related degrees of damage to glass-fibre reinforced plastics and the possible influence on the design of new bumper systems will be shown.

There are examples to show how effectively glass-fibre reinforced and glass-fibre mineral reinforced high polymers, both compact and foamed, can be used.