Structural Performance of Aluminum Bumpers

This paper presents the results of tests of one-piece face bars. It develops tentative guidelines for assessing the resistance of aluminum bumpers to local damage.

Resistance to denting is shown to depend on the magnitude and location of the load applied, and the yield strength and thickness of the material. Cracking resistance is dependent on load applied, configuration of the bumper, location of load, tensile strength and thickness of the material. Deformation capacity of the material also appears to be of importance.