Finite element simulation and experimentation for a rear impact guard energy absorption test

摘要

A new rear impact guard with three vertical brackets and a rigid test fixture were designed in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 571.223 and 571.224, which were effective on January 26, 1998. The guard energy absorption test was successfully conducted on this rear impact guard. The results of this test showed that the rar impact guard met both strength and energy requirements specified by Department of Transportation (DOT). Finite element simulation of the energy absorption test was conducted by using the general purpose coe ABAQUS. The deformation shape in the FEA results was identical to the deformed test guard. The FEA results correlated well with the testing data.