Design and Manufacturing Issues in the Development of Lightweight Solution for a Vehicle Frontal Bumper

Automobile bumper subsystem is the frontal and rear structure of the vehicle that has the purpose of energy absorption during low velocity impact. The main component of this subsystem is the transverse bumper beam, generally made by steel. Design of vehicle subsystem for lightweight and for safety seems to lead the designer toward opposite directions. Quite interesting solutions can be obtained with the use of composite materials. This paper is analysing some possible alternative solutions for the particular case of the front and rear bumper.