Impact force attenuation capabilities of elastomer, springs and their combination

Abstract

In various engineering applications like automotive safety, structural engineering, and industrial machinery, mitigating impact forces is of at most importance to protect structures, equipment and most importantly, human lives. Understanding the impact force attenuation capabilities of dampers, springs, and their combination is crucial. Dampers like elastomers are known for their exceptional ability to absorb and dissipate energy due to their visco-elastic properties. Spring on the other hand, store and release mechanical energy when compressed, offering a different approach to impact forces attenuation. Study is experimental and parametric in nature, where different damping materials like elastomers, polystyrene & foam are individually and in combination with springs of different stiffness are tested for their impact energy absorption capabilities. Tests are conducted in a dedicated test rig, wherein specimen is kept on a rigid plate which intern mounted on a peizo-electric load sensor and weights are dropped from same heights and force transmitted with time of travel is measured for each specimen and compared. Results revealed that the energy absorbed by springs is around 30% individually, which is less compared to dampers and, the combination of damper & springs. In conclusion the specimen with combination of damper & springs has high potential in absorbing impact force.