This paper on "An Investigation into the Energy Absorption Characteristics of a Steering Wheel Armature Subjected to Impact Loading" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on The Evolution of Product Simulation From Established Methods to Virtual Testing & Prototyping - 24-28 April 2001, The Grand Hotel, Lake Como, Italy.

Abstract

This research deals with experimental and finite element investigations into the energy absorption characteristics of a four spoke aluminium steering wheel armature. A droptower testing facility was used to conduct a series of experimental impact tests between a rigid plate and a steering wheel armature. Three different testing conditions were investigated to see the effect of impact location on the armature to the energy absorption properties of the automotive component. Finite element models were developed to simulate the experimental tests and investigate the energy absorption properties of various regions of the armature during the collision for the three different impact situations prescribed. An acceptable correlation between the experimental and numerical testing methods was observed which suggests that information obtain from finite element simulations can be used to assess the energy absorbing abilities of the armature and its regions during the impact. Information on the strain energy absorbed by the various regions of the armature can only be determined using numerical methods, experimental procedures can only provide information for the entire armature during the collision. The crash performance of the different sections of the armature is very important to steering wheel engineers and designers as it will help to better understand how energy absorption varies over the armature for a given impact condition. The observations from this research indicate that the energy absorption characteristics of the armature, and the various regions of the steering wheel skeleton considered in this study, depend significantly on the impact location on the armature.