Impact-reduction effect of ultrasonic vibrations on carbon fiber-reinforced polymer plate using a downsized transducer

摘要

There are various technologies available for automobile safety. However, about 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes in the world. We aim to develop an impact-reduction device using ultrasonic vibrations that can change the rigidity of crushable zones instantaneously in the event of traffic crashes. We have previously reported on the deformation and impact-reduction characteristics when applying ultrasonic vibrations to several materials such as high-tensile steel and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer plate (CFRP). An oversized transducer increases the overall weight of the vehicle and reduces fuel economy. Therefore, it is important to downsize the impact-reduction device. The purpose of this study is to confirm the impact-reduction effect of the ultrasonic vibrations using a downsized ultrasonic transducer.