Objective:

The present work shows the design and simulation of a front-level impact attenuator for a sedan-type vehicle. Its modeling was performed using SolidWorks software and simulation through Ansys Workbench software to analyze the behavior and component energy absorption during impact. Finally, the impact attenuator was scaled to validate the model.

Methodology:

This article presents the specialized design and simulation by modeling finite elements with a flat deformation problem of an impact attenuator in a deformation state. The frontal impact simulation was performed on the Explicit Dynamics module of the Ansys Workbench software using two material types: the PP-GF45 that originally comes in the Chevrolet Optra 1.8 sedan type vehicle, and the PLA-CF30. For testing purposes, the tests conducted out by the Latin NCAP and the UN R94 collision standard were considered as references since the company is governed by the approval of vehicles regarding safety in Latin America. The study was complemented with Charpy impact tests carried out at the laboratory of the Faculty of Mechanics in the Polytechnic School of Chimborazo according to ASTM D6110-04. For this purpose, it was necessary to extract five samples of each material.

Results:

During the analysis, characteristics such as lightness, deformation, stress, and energy absorption were evaluated. The results obtained from the software and the Charpy impact test at the laboratory show a coherent relationship between the two materials that attests to the reliability of the results of this research.

Conclusions:

It is possible to evaluate the virtual model designed for the purpose of this research by simulating the frontal impact on the Explicit Dynamics module of the Ansys Workbench software. After said evaluation, it is concluded that the design (shape and selected material) meet the requirements for the implementation of a vehicle.

Financing:

Authors' own financing.