Adaptive crashworthiness concept

A design methodology for adaptive structures (structures equipped with controllable dissipaters) with high crashworthiness performance is proposed. A numerical package capable of solving particular problems, i.e. (i) crashworthiness analysis of structure with fixed properties of dissipaters, (ii) optimal remodelling of adaptive structure and (iii) optimal design of yield stress levels triggering plastic-like distortions in dissipaters, is presented and verified using test examples. Some general, quantitative conclusions and suggestions for further applications of the adaptive crashworthiness concept are formulated.