Enhancing the impact energy absorption in roll over protective structures

摘要

This article examines the feasibility of including a cost-effective supplementary energy absorbing device in the form of a thin-walled conical tube into the framework of a roll over protective structure to enhance its energy absorption capacity and hence to enhance safety for the operator. Dynamic impact analysis was carried out to obtain the response of this structural system for different roll slope angles and wall thickness of the tube. Results have shown that the inclusion of this device promoted an enhanced level of occupant safety by enhancing the energy absorption and reducing the amount of plastic deformation sustained by the roll over protective structure as well as reducing the severity of the peak decelerations transferred to the vehicle cabin during such an event.