Development of a Hydraulic-Plastic Barrier for Impact-Energy Absorption

摘要

This report presents the results of an extensive design effort directed toward the optimization of an automobile crash impact cushion. Occupant response is cited as the most important measure of a successful design, and design restrictions and qualifications are discussed. A brief presentation of water-plastic cushion hardware and applications demonstrates the versatility and economically attractive features of the device. A computer model of the behavior of the cushion hardware is presented. Comparisons to full-scale collision measurements show the model to be a good representation of the hardware for head-on crashes. The simulated performance of the barrier is presented and compared to the square-wave or 'constant-force' cushion. Comparisons show the water-plastic unit to be superior in performance across the spectrum of impacting vehicle momenta, and demonstrate that it provides a response which takes advantage of almost all of the available stopping distance for impacts between 30 and 70 mph, employing vehicles weighing from 2000 to 6000 lb. It is concluded that the water-plastic cushion is a good example of near-optimum design for the application intended. (Author)