COMPUTER MODELING OF WOOD-FILLED IMPACT LIMITERS

The performance of impact limiters, composed of balsa wood encased in steel shells, has been studied by experimental tests and computer mode lling. The aim of the work was to develop a validated capability for s imulating the impact behaviour with the code DYNA3D. The code is thus available to support new package designs employing similar shock absor bing features-in principle, any crushable material encased in a metall ic shell. A brief review is given of the mechanical properties of bals a wood, including methods for modelling orthotropic crushable material s. With DYNA3D, the material model for metallic honeycombs was adapted for application to wood. Both static crush tests and impact tests hav e been simulated, with good results for deformation and energy absorpt ion. Dynamic strength enhancement and friction effects are examined.