STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN FOR ENERGY ABSORPTION IN IMPACT

A general assessment of the nature of the dynamic problem of analyzing the collision of a vehicle is first given. A vehicle commonly comprises an open structure of beams and thin shells of ductile metal and the kinetic energy to be absorbed as energy of deformation is usually sufficient to cause plastic flow. This is generally localized on hinges and is associated with appreciable elastic deformation. Thus elastic-plastic theory is needed including geometrical and material non-linearities. Integration through the history of the motion is needed for solution. Theorems are given which provide approximations to the maximum plastic deformation and the duration of plastic flow without determining the whole solution. Application of these to simple models is presented. The theorems are also applied to determine the stiffness of a structural element so that it will transmit impulse to the rest of the structure without itself deforming appreciably, a so-called stiff interface. The ability of porous metal to absorb energy of deformation is also analyzed by solving the microscopic problem of collapse of the cavities. The overall macroscopic deformation laws can then be determined. Tests of the behavior of porous metal in impact are presented and related to quasistatic measurements of its deformation properties. Conclusions from these studies and recommendations for new work are given.

• Corporate Authors:

  Stanford University

  Department of Applied Mechanics
  Stanford, CA  United States  94305

  Department of Transportation

  Office of University Research, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Lee, E H
  • Mallett, R L
• Publication Date: 1975-12

Media Info

• Pagination: 215 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash injury research; Crashes; Deformation; Dynamic loads; Dynamic tests; Elastic deformation; Energy absorption; Failure; Metals; Motor vehicles; Occupant protection devices; Passenger cars; Plastic flow; Porous materials; Research; Safety; Structural analysis; Structural members; Traffic crashes; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Dynamic analysis; Dynamic response; Impact protection; Motor vehicle accidents
• Old TRIS Terms: Passenger car design; Porous metals
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00137335
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: SUDAM-75-15 Final Rpt., DOT/TST-76/44
• Contract Numbers: DOT-OS-30091
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 16 1977 12:00AM