Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
Mwangi, F.M., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Kanny, K., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
A granular-medium-based impact energy management system has been developed. The system was subjected to low-tomedium velocity regime impacts. Effects of lubrication of granules and defaulting of boundary conditions using Bravais cubic lattice structures have been investigated. Unlike traditional design platforms where heavy reliance is placed on the intrinsic properties of materials, experimental results indicate that the new system effectively relies on the underlying synergistic mechanisms to absorb and dissipate impact energy. Dynamic simulation results validate the system's practical relevance to the automotive industry and similar contexts. © 2012 Taylor & Francis.