Crash Absorbing Structures for Different Vehicle Concepts

Abstract

Two different crash energy absorbing concepts for road and railway vehicles are introduced, which were developed during research activities at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) – Institute of Vehicle Concepts. The crash concept for road vehicles uses AZ31B magnesium, a material with a tension-compression asymmetry. Crash-related structures under bending can be significantly improved by filling hollow thin-walled beams with a stabilizing polyurethane core. To evaluate the crashworthiness of hollow and foam filled magnesium beams, quasi-static and dynamic three-point bending tests were performed. The crash concept for railway vehicles uses structurally load bearing tapering tubes with different sizes and energy levels. Results given in the paper present the smallest energy absorbers with tubes made of HSD®-steel, a material which combines a high strength with a high ductility, and a die made of tempered steel. Quasi-static and dynamic tests in longitudinal and transverse directions relative to the tube axis were performed, to evaluate the energy absorbing and load bearing capabilities of the absorbers.