The 1973 General Motors Hydraulic-Pneumatic Energy Absorber Bumper System 730031
Energy absorber designs may store or dissipate energy. Storing implies a subsequent return of the impact energy in a rebound reaction (for example, springs). Dissipation can be either destructive-metal flow-or nondestructive-shearing of a working fluid.
Automotive bumper systems are of maximum value from a performance and aesthetic standpoint only when at the design position, implying “self-restoration” after impact.
This paper presents features of the General Motors energy absorber that dissipates impact energy and also self-restores. The paper also discusses the testing used to qualify the design for customer usage and compliance with federal standards on bumper systems.
Citation: Carpenter, K. and Kerr, L., "The 1973 General Motors Hydraulic-Pneumatic Energy Absorber Bumper System," SAE Technical Paper 730031, 1973, https://doi.org/10.4271/730031. Download Citation
Author(s):
Keith H. Carpenter, Lamar L. Kerr
Affiliated:
Delco Products Div., General Motors Corp.
Pages: 8
Event:
1973 International Automotive Engineering Congress and Exposition
ISSN:
0148-7191
e-ISSN:
2688-3627
Related Topics:
Springs
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