Measuring the Phenomenon of Bumper Impact 1999-01-3187
The phenomenon of automotive bumper impact conforms to the theory of classic physics. The basic variables of impact can be measured, recorded, and analyzed with “state-of-the-art” test equipment. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the test techniques available to measure and analyze impact.
The initial parameters of impact are mass, velocity, and geometry. The resulting variables of impact are force, acceleration, displacement, rebound velocity, and impact energy. These parameters and variables can be recorded, measured, and analyzed within a bumper test laboratory. The relationship between the initial conditions and resulting impact phenomenon follow the laws of classical Newtonian physics.
This paper discusses the methodology for testing and measuring automotive bumper performance and demonstrates how modern testing methods can help evaluate relative bumper performance.
The history of the regulations and a discussion of the test apparatus is presented, as well as sample test data.
