Carbon Fiber Impact Attenuator: A Comprehensive Design and Analysis Approach

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 05 | Page : 452 468
    By

    Vinayak H Khatawate,

  • Hari Vasudevan,

  • Bhavik Kapadia,

  • Krisha Vora,

  • Mann Dave,

  • Prathamesh Desai,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SVKM’s Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  2. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SVKM’s Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  3. UG student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SVKM’s Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  4. UG student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SVKM’s Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  5. UG student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SVKM’s Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  6. UG student, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SVKM’s Dwarkadas J. Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mumbai, Maharsahtra, India

Abstract

In the high-stakes world of Formula One competition, accidents are a sad reality. The primary causes of these accidents are violent overtaking, high speeds, and environmental factors. All of these causes result in accidents, such as a car colliding head-on with barricades, two automobiles colliding, a car skidding on a wet track, etc. Driver safety must be improved, and accidents of this nature must be avoided. One such safety elements that needed to be considered when designing the racing vehicles is the impact attenuator. This research paper presents a comprehensive approach to the design and analysis of an optimized custom Step Impact Attenuator tailored to meet the stringent requirements set forth by the FSAE regulations. The research paper proposes the development of a carbon fiber step impact attenuator design specifically engineered for FSAE applications. The research methodology involved analytical quantitative research, leveraging computer simulations to iteratively optimize the design. Detailed crash simulations were performed in ABAQUS, enabling the analysis of force-displacement curves, energy absorption capabilities, and anti-intrusion plate displacement. The proposed solution offers enhanced driver safety through superior energy absorption capabilities, achieving 12.024 kJ of energy absorption while maintaining an anti-intrusion plate displacement within permissible limits. This approach demonstrates the potential of advanced composite materials and computational simulation techniques in developing more effective safety systems for high-performance racing vehicles.

Keywords: Step Impact Attenuator, Carbon Fiber, Anti-Intrusion Plate, Crash Simulation, ABAQUS, FSAE.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Vinayak H Khatawate, Hari Vasudevan, Bhavik Kapadia, Krisha Vora, Mann Dave, Prathamesh Desai. Carbon Fiber Impact Attenuator: A Comprehensive Design and Analysis Approach. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):452-468.
How to cite this URL:
Vinayak H Khatawate, Hari Vasudevan, Bhavik Kapadia, Krisha Vora, Mann Dave, Prathamesh Desai. Carbon Fiber Impact Attenuator: A Comprehensive Design and Analysis Approach. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):452-468. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=217541


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 05
Received 16/01/2025
Accepted 18/03/2025
Published 24/07/2025
Publication Time 189 Days
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