Dynamic behaviour of multi-stage crash energy absorption systems integrated with MRA: Simulation and analysis

Abstract

The research work focuses on development of mathematical models to study on the dynamic behaviour of a multi-stage crash energy absorption system (MSCEAS) suitable for cars. The proposed energy absorption system can be attached in the front overhang of the vehicle, which comprises of a bumper, magneto-rheological absorber (MRA), friction spring, and piston-cylinder with shear plate assembly (PCSPA).11MSCEAS - Multi-stage crash energy absorption system, MRA-Magneto-rheological absorber, PCSPA-Piston-cylinder with shear plate assembly, LPM- Lumped parameter model, DoF-Degrees of freedom, MBWM-Modified Bouc–Wen model. These components are arranged in series where in, MRA plays a vital role as it transforms passive system in to semi-active. The entire system has been characterized as lumped parameter model (LPM). The real-time crash test of Dodge-Neon vehicle is utilized to create the base model with four degrees of freedom (DoF) LPM and parameters including mass, stiffness, and damping coefficient are chosen based on vehicle’s structural components. The MRA has been modelled based on modified Bouc–Wen model (MBWM) and the optimized parameters are selected from existing literature while considering the high damping capability of MRA. Four models have been proposed by interchanging the energy absorbing elements so as to obtain the best configuration in terms of crash kinematics. Numerical analysis is performed for both base vehicle and vehicle assembled with the proposed models based on crash kinematics of occupant’s cabin. It is found that, one among the four models exhibit appreciable reduction in intrusion displacement during low to high-speed collisions. Whereas, another proposed model exhibits considerable decrement in deceleration patterns. Further, behaviour of four absorption elements has also been captured for various impact speeds and voltages supplied to MRA and presented in this work. The current research is carried out to protect the occupants from dangerous vehicle crashes by integrating a MSCEAS based on MRA as a critical add-on.