Polymer foam used in bumper systems

Abstract

Foams made of polymer are used in protective structures in several fields, such as helmets or car bumpers. The material s mechanical response allows for absorption of energy caused by impact loading and can reduce peak stresses and preventing damage. Different foam materials are extensively used in the automotive industry due to their mechanical properties and low weight. When foam is considered for an application pertaining to safety, accurate computer modeling is highly desired, as it allows for faster and more precise component design. Although this material is already widely used, one does not really know enough about the material to describe it in a satisfying way, particularly for loading scenarios beyond simple compression. In order to describe the material in a satisfying manner, the mechanical behavior of the material needs to be mapped. This can be done through experiments, and it is advantageous to build an extensive experimental database. In this project, the influence of temperature on the mechanical behavior will be explored.