High energy absorption materials in front underrun protection systems for trucks

In this paper, the design and development of an energy absorbing front underrun protection system with composite crash cones is described and the performance is demonstrated in a 70kph full-scale car-to-truck frontal collision. The results are compared with the results of a test with identical vehicles, where the speed was 57kph and the truck was fitted with a rigid front underrun protection device. Crash cones of composite material can successfully be used as energy absorbers in a structure used as an energy-absorbing truck front underrun protection system. It is demonstrated that the use of an energy-absorbing truck underrun protection system can result in significant improvements in occupant survivability. With a good design, even higher impact velocities than 75kph may be feasible for modern cars using modern technology