Design of a High-Impulse Mechanical Apparatus for Dynamic Testing of Novel Energy-Absorbing Composites

Amkreutz, Andrew; Kodhimaj, Alessia; Abraham, Cory; Nikolaychuk, Konstantin

Student Work

Design of a High-Impulse Mechanical Apparatus for Dynamic Testing of Novel Energy-Absorbing Composites

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Impact absorption is a safety-critical but weight-intensive component of vehicle design, as heavy crush structures can contribute to increased energy expenditures. Modern composites can improve impact absorption and reduce the weight of these materials if validated with representative test methods. High-speed compression testing is ideal for directly simulating the dynamic material response to high-impulse loading, and a custom-built impactor was designed, manufactured, and utilized for this purpose. The apparatus consists of a pressure cylinder, rapid discharge mechanism, impacting plunger, data acquisition systems, and various operator safety features. Calibration of force sensors and pressure-velocity relationships was conducted and compared to analytical predictions to ensure repeatable operation with minimal experimental error. Finally, experiments were conducted with novel composites to collect stress-time and high-speed video data to characterize their performance. This work contributes to increased energy efficiency and safety of vehicles, ultimately addressing the societal need for reduced climate impact on the transportation industry.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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