Abstract
In Formula 1, safety is paramount, and the steering column impact absorber is a critical component in protecting drivers during high-speed impacts. This part is specifically designed to absorb and dissipate energy in the event of a frontal collision, reducing the force transmitted to the driver and minimizing injury risk.
The steering column impact absorber has some peculiar characteristics. It must guarantee both energy absorption in case of an impact and torque transmission without any kind of compliance between the steering wheel and the power steering.
Similar to carbon fiber tubes used in crash structures, the impact absorber in a steering column is engineered to deform in a predictable manner upon impact. It undergoes progressive crushing. This progressive deformation is essential for keeping the forces (and acceleration as a consequence) on the driver within safe limits and prevents abrupt deceleration that could result in severe injury.
The F1 steering column impact absorber is a small but vital part of the car’s safety system. It’s designed to deform progressively in a collision, absorbing energy to protect the driver from direct impact forces transmitted through the steering column. Its construction from advanced materials, strict testing protocols, and integration with the vehicle’s safety cell make it highly effective in safeguarding drivers at high speeds.
On this thesis works, it is described the design phase, simulations, production and finally testing of three different solutions.
|
