Design and Fabrication of Bumper Material Using Sorbothane

Abstract

Bumper is a structure which is integrated with the vehicle, to absorb impact energy from external source. It may be a minor impact reducing or to minimize repair costs. But the present bumpers are made up of Poly-Vinyl-Chloride or rubber materials which are not so suitable for both impact reduction and also for reduction of repairing costs. Hence implementation of viscoelastic material in the bumper may help to reduce both repair cost and impact reduction. Sorbothane is a viscoelastic polymer with shock absorption, good memory, vibration damping characteristics. It also combines all properties such as long fatigue life, low creep rate compared to other bumper material. Present work mainly focused in the fabrication of a composite structure which will replace an existing bumper material. By which the impact strength of the bumper can be increased also deformation of the bumper can minimized.