A Study of Rigid Polyurethane Foam. Volume 2, Final Report.
Abstract
This study has evaluated the applicability of rigid polyurethane foams to automobile structures for high speed crash energy management through evaluation of energy attenuation characteristics, pertinent material properties, availability, fire hazards, production process, repairability and disposability. Impact tests were made on elements to assess the effect various environments and conditions have on the energy absorbing characteristics of foam encased in a metallic structure. While loose shredded foam burns readily, sample tests indicate that foam surfaces exposed by rupturing the metallic shell in which the foam was encapsulated did not indicate any unusual burning hazard when it was soaked with gasoline and ignited. Full scale burning tests should be run to obtain the total effect of flammability and toxicity of decomposition gases of the foam in conjunction with by products of combustion from other materials incorporated in typical automobile structures and trim. In production, foam filling will require special fixturing to avoid distortion during filling and/or paint oven curing. Costs of representative structural components will increase by 35 to 65% depending on the component. As a general conclusion, the use of rigid urethane foam is feasible and can be used in automotive application when certain guidelines are followed. (MM)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA301997
Entities
People
- V. A. Grasso