Baumeister, J.J.BaumeisterPannkoke, K.K.PannkokeHerrmann, A.A.Herrmann2022-03-082022-03-082000https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/304785Die Erfindung betrifft ein energieabsorbierendes Element, welches plastisch unter Energieaufnahme verformbart ist. Das Element besitzt einen laenglichen Grundkoerper (10) aus einem metallischen Schaum und einen Mantel (20) aus faserverstaerktem Kunststoff.DE 19904030 C UPAB: 20001023 NOVELTY - The lengthy body (10) of the section comprises metallic foam, with a casing (20) of fiber reinforced plastic. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for the method of making the energy-absorbing section. The foam body is made first, in the desired shape. The matrix and inlaid fibers are then wound on. Preferred features: The fiber-reinforced plastic casing fits precisely around the cylindrical body. Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) is employed, as several wound layers (21, 22, 23). At least one is wound circumferentially at 90 deg. plus or minus 10 deg. . The innermost winding is annular. A winding outside it is at plus or minus 45 deg. . This is surrounded by a third outer annular winding. A variant of this structure is described. USE - An energy-absorbing section, especially useful for automobile construction. ADVANTAGE - The modern compact car has less bodywork to crumple in a crash, fostering a requirement for separate energy absorption units. The new assembly described supplies this need, and is particularly lightweight, accommodating a parallel trend. It absorbs energy like a steel section, but takes up less space. The structure described, controls collapse predictably. Localized energy absorption is feasible, contrast the situation with bodywork which is effective in a head-on collision, but not in an off-axis impact. Whilst the casing is thin, it has an important function in controlling collapse. The foam would readily break up, if not encased. Loads resisted, exceed the sum of loads supported by casing and foam alone, a synergistic effect. Optimal structure for energy absorption is further discussed in the disclosure. The winding process described, is ideal for automation.de608620660671patent1999-19904030