Bumper Spring/Damper Capacity

[msquared48]

Anyone have any internet leads on where to go to find the energy necessary (spring constant, effectively) to permanently fully compress the rear bumper spring/damper assembly on a 1991 Chrysler LeBaron? Not getting anything from the manufacturer. I need to do some forensic engineering.

Mike McCann
McCann Engineering

 

[MintJulep]

You should be able to find the required "no damage" impact speed that was in-force at the time somewhere here:

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/index.html

That would at least give you a "more than this" energy.

Beyond that, I suspect a trip to the junk yard to collect some test specimens is in order.

 

[GregLocock]

I can't see a good way other than direct testing. Breaking stuff is always fun, and usually dangerous. As a rough idea, say 5 times the corner weight of the vehicle, at least.



Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[NickE]

old bumper dampers are often rusted solid. especially in michigan.

 

[RossABQ]

The Ford units I've had to work on are filled with a goo that has some strange properties under pressure. I don't believe they have a spring in them at all. Part of their functionality appears to be shearing a small weld, which allows the unit to collapse against the goo.

 

[GregLocock]

?????

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[gt6racer2]

Greg,
You're thinking suspension. This is in the crash bumper...