No abstract

This research * aims on developing a reliable finite element framework to investigate the Specific Energy Absorption (SEA) of the rear crash attenuator of an open-wheel type Indycar vehicle. A meshed model representing the crash structure was designed and its failure behaviour was learnt on the basis of various non-linear finite element modelling techniques to simulate a crash as per regulations from the governing body of Indycar. All the numerical analysis was performed utilizing the LS-DYNA software with the Progressive Failure Model (PFM) and Continuum Damage Model (CDM) of MAT058_LAMINATED_COMPOSITE_FABRIC card.The sandwich structure material characterization for the tuning of the material model was done by the means of a correlation with experimental data and adjusting the non-physical input parameters in the software. Post calibration, the development of the rear impact attenuator was performed with the model. A combined failure mode was observed with a gradual crushing phenomenon during the analysis on head-on impacts (0°) while in case of oblique impacts performed at 30° off axis shows the structure failing at its rear attachment points to the bulkhead.The specific energy absorption was determined at different configurations of impact of this reinforced sandwich structure by evaluating the force over a crushed displacement. The layup was adjusted, the sensitive points at the attachments were stiffened, and the core thickness was varied throughout the structure to improve the overall specific energy absorption by 27.8% with a gradual deceleration value to that of the prescribed. Finally, the results were compared to the previous Indycar structure and the rear crash attenuator was redesigned with highlights of the refreshed results.

In order to ensure the driver safety in motorsport crashes, special crash structures are designed to absorb the race car's kinetic energy and limit the decelerations acting on the human body. The use of Carbon fibre epoxy as a primary structural material has been evident in the motorsport industry. By utilizing monolithic structure for crash, large amount of energy can be absorbed. However, the energy absorbing capacity, unlike metals, is highly dependent on the geometry, number of layups and layup orientation angles. By optimizing the plies and the orientation along the geometric cross-section, the deceleration of the vehicle can be controlled. For the FIA crash test regulations, the deceleration was limited to 5g's for the first 150mm of crushing and the average deceleration was limited to 25g's. By dividing the geometry into sections, the ply orientation, and number of plies were varied. This resulted in a nosecone structure weighing around 2.1 kgs, but able to meet the above requirements. From the research 1 it is evident that the Specific Energy Absorption (SEA) is not only a function of geometric cross-section (φ) but also the angle of attack (β). The angles of attack were varied from 5.5° to 32.5° and the effects on SEA were observed. The dynamic simulations were conducted in explicit solver LS-DYNA using Mat_ENHANCED_COMPOSITE_DAMAGE material model (MAT54). The simulation results were validated with crush test data for energy absorbed.