A Review of Kinetic Energy Dissipation Systems in Automotive Crashes

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of kinetic energy management in road safety. The various elements considered by engineers are analyzed to understand how and why the absorption of kinetic energy generated by a moving vehicle has become a major road safety issue. We examine the corrective measures designed by automotive engineers, which fall into two categories: internal vehicle measures, such as airbags, seat belts, and headrests; and external protective measures, including guardrails and impact attenuators. Impact analysis quantifies the sliding of the guardrails along the rails after an impact, thus absorbing the kinetic energy generated by the vehicle. The results indicate that progressive deformation and adjusted stiffness gradients increase impulse duration and reduce peak deceleration. The dampers primarily manage kinetic energy by redirecting it, with limited energy absorption. Design implications include optimizing post spacing and anchoring rails to the ground to guide the system’s pads as they slide backward upon impact.