Design and analysis of low velocity impact on thermoplastic hat section with curvilinear profile

Abstract

A hat section was designed and developed for maximum impact energy absorption and/or transmission under low velocity impact. Towards this, different hat sections, having material properties of thermoplastic, were modeled and investigated numerically using finite element analysis (FEA) in the range of 20-50 J impact energy. In the study it was experienced that the design configuration of hat section with curvilinear profile (HSCP) was excellent in energy attenuation capacity and for even distribution of maximum impact force around and along the hat section under low velocity impact loading. To validate the numerical findings, polypropylene copolymer (Co-PP) HSCP and low density polyethylene (LDPE) HSCP were developed and evaluated experimentally in the said impact energy range. A correlation was established between FEA and experimental test results, thereby, validating a numerical model to predict results for other thermoplastic materials under given range of impact energy. The LDPE HSCP exhibited better performance as compared to Co-PP HSCP in the said range of impact energy. The findings of this study will enable the engineers and technologists to design and develop low velocity impact resistance devices for various applications including devices to protect bone joints.