The Influences of Structural Parameters of Energy-Absorbing Box for Automobile Bumper on the Energy Absorption Characteristics During Low Speed Collision

A finite element model of the aluminum alloy energy-absorbing box is proposed to improve the problem that the energy-absorbing box cannot effectively absorb energy and reduce damages to pedestrians during vehicle's low-speed collisions. The energy absorption characteristics of the proposed energy-absorbing box with different thickness and different cross-section shapes are analyzed and compared. Moreover, the influence of V-shaped slot on the energy absorption characteristics of the box is further discussed. The results show that the energy absorption characteristics and potential energy absorption of the box are improved by increasing its wall thickness. The energy absorption characteristics of the box with octagon section is the best, while the energy absorption characteristics of the box with square section is the worst among the circular, square, hexagonal and octagon cross sections. Moreover, the energy absorption characteristics are improved by adding 1V, 2V, 3V-shaped groove on the energy-absorbing box. However, the number of the V-shaped grooves has no clear influence on changing the energy absorption characteristics of the box.