Methodology of testing for aluminium honeycomb impact attenuator in quasi-static conditions and influence of
supporting structures.
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1
Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics, Warsaw University of Technology, Św. Andrzeja Boboli 8, 02-525, Warsaw, Poland
2
Warsaw University of Technology, Institute of Aeronautics and Applied Mechanics, Nowowiejska 24, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland
3
Institytuto Tecnologico de Puebla, Del Tecnológico 420, Corredor Industrial la Ciénega, 72220 Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza,
Corresponding author
Jan Tracz
Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics, Warsaw University of Technology, Św. Andrzeja Boboli 8, 02-525, Warsaw, Poland
Adv. Sci. Technol. Res. J. 2024; 18(8)
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ABSTRACT
This paper examines the influence of two different supports, i.e., composite and steel, on the results obtained during a quasi-static crush test of an aluminum alloy honeycomb impact attenuator. It’s part of a vehicle that competes in the Formula Student series and requires safety tests to be eligible to participate in events. The attenuator is tested in two configurations – first with a rigid steel support base and second – with a composite support base, which represents a realistic replica of the first 50mm of carbon fiber monocoque used in a vehicle. The composite base is less stiff and must be tested with the impact attenuator as it is a possible safety weak point. The testing machine was an Instron 8516 set to a 60mm/min feed speed with a sampling rate of 1kHz. The results showed that the values of energy absorbed were higher (7983.9J to 8732.1J) for the case with a composite base support, whereas the average forces were similar (about 50kN). This suggests that a more realistic scenario allows for a higher safety margin rather than a decrease in it. The recommendation is to address the possible energy cumulation as elastic deformation (spring-back effect), which might be unwanted. Further studies could include dynamic testing and other attenuator designs.