Numerical and experimental static and dynamic analysis of a quasi-zerostiffness core spring of car bumper beam

Bumper beams are one of the main structures of passenger cars that protect passenger and driver from front and rear collisions. Here, the static design, modeling and manufacturing of a bumper beam with quasi zero-stiffness core spring have been studied. Also, numerical and experimental studies of the dynamic impact test have been performed. The main goal is to reduce the transited impact force to the vehicle and to absorb the majority of impact energy. The bumper beam with quasi zero-stiffness core spring has three cores that every core spring contains two symmetric oblique springs and a straight spring. The best angle of oblique springs, wire diameter, length, and mean spring diameter are studied for maximum absorbed energy. The material of the bumper beams are steel and aluminum. The pendulum impact test is applied to the manufactured bumper beam, and the test result for bumper beam is compared to the finite element (Explicit ABAQUS) ones. Mass of pendulum, its diameter, and velocity of impact are 80 kg, 30 cm, and 15 km/h respectively.

Keywords:

bumper beam , maximum displacement , absorbed energy