The kicking machine: A device for impact testing of structural components

Abstract

Abstract Abstract The current paper describes a device for impact testing of structural components. This device is referred to as the kicking machine. It is shown how the machine can be used for high-speed offset testing of automotive bumper systems. In brief, the kicking machine accelerates a trolley moving on rails towards the test specimen. The trolley is equipped with loads cells to give the axial crushing force. The test specimen (bumper system) consists of a cross beam connected to two crash boxes. Each crash box is fixed to a load cell that measures the axial force and two orthogonal bending moments.