Effect of Rib Shape and Deformation Rate on Compressive Deformation Behavior in Expanded Polymer Rib Structures

Abstract

Compressive properties of expanded polymer rib structures for automotive use have been experimentally investigated to clarify the effects of rib shape and deformation rate on compressive deformation behavior. I n typical expanded polymer rib structures, rib buckling occurs during the early stages of the deformation process. In this study, it is shown that this phenomenon is strongly affected by rib shape. Furthermore, the effect of deformation rate on the compressive properties of expanded polymer rib structures is shown to be small.