Speed-dependent impact analysis on a car bumper structure using various materials

Abstract

Automotive safety is a critical concern, and the design of bumpers plays a pivotal role in enhancing impact resistance and overall vehicle safety. Prior research has assessed several materials and structural layouts for car bumpers, emphasizing characteristics, impact resistance, and financial analysis. Further study in this area is necessary since there is a research gap in discovering the ideal bumper design incorporating a spring-supported system and using various materials for more excellent impact resistance at varying speeds. To create a bumper design with a spring-supported system, this study will employ the finite element method (FEM) to undertake structural analysis. It will also evaluate the impact resistance of the bumper at various speeds and utilize various materials. The model has been verified by previous research. To ensure that the design does not exceed the maximum yield strength of the material, it was evaluated based on the average Von Mises stress at the impact location, prioritizing configurations with the lowest stress and most significant displacement. It has been discovered that Aluminium 2024 T-86 may substitute carbon fibre in accidents up to 30 kmph. GMT and SMC can also be substituted in crashes under 25 kmph. Utilizing these materials led to increased deformation followed by decreased absorbed stress, making them ideal for bumper design.

Keywords

• Automotive safety
• Bumper design
• Impact resistance
• Finite element method
• Spring-supported system