Use of High Strain-Rate Material Data for Predicting Head-Impact Performance of Thermoplastics

A previous paper detailed the generation of high strain-rate data (greater than 100%/sec) on engineering thermoplastic materials. These data were used in conjunction with dynamic finite-element analysis techniques to predict the load-deflection response of instrument panel retainers that were impacted with an approximate head form. Correlation between analysis results and physical testing for part stiffness, strength, and ductility were very good for a variety of materials. Use of such data represents a vast improvement in analysis accuracy versus the use of traditional material data in these types of analyses.

Methodology for the use of high strain-rate data is explained and demonstrated through this correlation. The technique can be used to evaluate and improve future instrument panel designs. Also, suggestions for further development work in the area of materials models are made.