Investigation of Impact Strength and Energy Absorbing Capacity of Natural Polymer Matrix Composite Absorbers

This paper presents a numerical and theoretical crashworthiness analysis of vehicle frontal impact energy absorbers using natural polymer matrix composites. To address the high manufacturing costs and permanent deformation of traditional metallic frames or honeycombs, novel bio-composite configurations—specifically the Bamboo Fiber Epoxy Absorber (BFEA) and Jute Fiber Epoxy Absorber (JFEA)—were developed. Using ANSYS Finite Element Analysis across 25 to 80 km/h impact velocities based on a 2,630 kg SUV baseline, the JFEA configuration reduced peak frontal deformation from 33.15 mm (un-bumped) and 20.19 mm (carbon fiber bumper) down to 5.14 mm at 50 km/h. Furthermore, JFEA demonstrated superior strain energy dissipation (reaching 531.21 J at 80 km/h). Experimental impact characterization confirmed steady deformation and fracture thresholds, validating these bio-composite absorbers as efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective alternatives for automotive crash safety.