An Evaluation of a new Tubular Energy absorber/Polyurethane foam composite for meeting bumper system pedestrian lower leg impact requirements

摘要

Thousands of pedestrians are struck by motor vehicles every year. Typically, in most car-to-pedestrian accidents, the pedestrian is in a normal walking posture, effectively standing sideways to the impacting automobile, being struck by the vehicle from the side. Current and proposed pedestrian test procedures in Europe and Japan evaluate lower extremity injury risk by employing a leg-form propelled into the front bumper system of a stationary vehicle. Although there are currently no pedestrian regulations in North America, North American vehicle bumper systems are influenced by the proposed pedestrian test procedures and pending regulations. The main objective of this study is to present the results to-date in an evaluation conducted to determine the effectiveness of a new tubular energy absorber, coupled with a polyurethane energy absorbing foam in meeting all bumper impact requirements, including both the European pedestrian protection requirements and the North American vehicle impact bumper requirements. The study compares computer simulations and impact test results.