Controlling Deceleration in a Crash-Impact Simulator by Metal Cutting 670456

The principle of metal cutting is used in an energy-absorption system to control the deceleration of a moving test vehicle in a crash impact simulator. By varying the depth and type of cut made, such a system can be programmed to duplicate the basic deceleration patterns typically produced in single and multiple impact collisions of motor vehicles. Initial experiments with a vertical type, dynamic test machine showed that the metal cutting method compared favorably in ease of operation, design feasibility, and operating cost with other energy-absorption methods such as hydraulic buffering and crushing of metal honeycomb material. In addition, it provides the advantage of multiple impact simulation. Preliminary evaluation tests of the full-scale metal cutting system in the collision simulator, using aluminum plate for the material cut, showed the system capable of providing flat-topped deceleration patterns of various amplitudes with good repeatability. Other patterns, such as sinusoidal and triangular shapes, are possible with further refinement of the system.