Body deformation study in a Formula One race car crashing into a rigid barrier at different crash angles

Abstract

This paper presents the dynamic behaviour of a race car body impacting a rigid barrier. The amount of deformation in the front bumper area and its effect on the driver's seat are investigated. The car crash is studied at different impact angles of 0 • , 10 • , 30 • , 45 • , 60 • and 80 • . The generated elastic and plastic stress and strain fields, specifically at the front bumper and the frontal area of the driver's seat, are compared accurately. Comparing the amount of deformation in different situations shows that an increase in the angle of impact results in more plastic deformation in the bumper but less on the driver's seat instead. As the bumper neutralises the effect of the largest part of kinetic energy and inertia forces, the frontal part of car body behind the bumper is safer.