Pyro-adaptive impact energy absorber

The paper contains a proposal of energy dissipation density controlling in lightweight thin walled structures by reducing their crushing stiffness during an impact process. For small scale laboratory experiments, low-energy-dissipation absorber was developed. Prismatic absorber made of thin lead sheets can dissipate the impact energy at two energy density levels. Moving the concept to the real steel or aluminum structures can lead to satisfying value of the Specific Energy Absorption indicator with possible control of the energy dissipation. Experimental and FE explicit simulation results showing controllable impact process of a thinwalled prismatic absorber with rectangular crossection are presented. The control of crushing forces proved to be possible and efficient. Adaptivity ratio achieved in the presented example was 35%. The idea of the presented absorber was based on automotive front rail shape. The experimental tests have to be re-conducted. Geometry of the tested absorber should be modified to facilitate the detachment process of the stiffening members.