Abstract:
This research aims to analyze the strength of automobile bumpers using the finite element method. ANSYS software is the primary tool for Static Structural analysis in the linear elastic range, focusing on stress concentration. The bumper structure is divided into two parts: the bumper itself and the mounting bracket. The analysis reveals that the longer the bumper bracket, which connects the bumper to the car body, the more prone to deformation it becomes. The bolt fastening positions between the bumper and the bumper bracket are the most vulnerable to deformation. When considering the fastening positions between the bumper bracket and the car body, this point is critical, but due to the larger number of bolts and mounting area, it is less prone to deformation than the fastening positions between the bumper and the bumper bracket. Key variables affecting deformation include: applied force, force type, force direction and position, thickness, shape, and fastening points. The design and analysis allow the model to be further analyzed in the form of Explicit Dynamic. Finite element analysis is chosen as the primary tool for simulating analysis results in the form of Explicit Dynamic analysis using ANSYS software for the bumper bracket connecting the car bumper to the car body. In this nonlinear finite element simulation, structural steel must be defined to have material properties according to Steinberg-Guinan Strength. The analysis must control the element size and define an appropriate Time Step to obtain accurate results. The car bumper will be subjected to impact forces in three directions: 1) direct frontal impact, 2) half-frontal impact, and 3) impact at an angle to the direction of vehicle movement. The analysis reveals that all three impact forms at a test speed of 48 kilometers per hour result in direct deformation of the car bumper. Therefore, the car bumper is designed considering thickness, shape, and fastening point design, and analyzed until an appropriate bumper design is obtained that can be used for actual production.