Abstract: | In order to develop an energy absorber for the monocoque-body coach in frontal impact, the whole-coach frontal impact simulation was conducted. The reasonable energy absorption and the crushing force of the absorber were determined, based on which the structural parameters were designed. The prototypes of the energy absorber were made in aluminum alloy and DP600 steel and the corresponding crushing force and deformation modes were compared through static press tests. The performance and crushing modes of the absorber were validated by the sled impact test and the frontal impact test of the coach. The results show that the energy absorber made in aluminum alloy deforms well in frontal impact, offset frontal impact and oblique impact, with stable crushing modes and without rapture. The designed energy absorber can meet the safety requirements for the whole coach in frontal impact. |