Crashworthiness design of heat treated vehicle parts with tailored properties

Abstract

In this study, a boron steel bumper beam's crashworthiness performance with three different hardness values and six different bumper beam designs with tailored properties was compared in passenger safety. Peak crushing force and energy absorption values of the beams were examined by frontal impact simulations. Minimum peak crushing force value was obtained with the O25 heat treated beam, the front side O25 and rear side T500 heat treated beam and the front side T500 and rear side O25 heat treated beam. The Front side T25 and rear side O25 heat treated beam gave the highest energy absorption value. Single and multi-objective optimization studies were conducted to maximize energy absorption and minimize peak crushing force for this beam with tailored properties. The optimal beam improved the impact performance of the structure. Therefore, this beam can be used in front bumper beam design to improve passive safety.