A concept of smart multiaxial impact damper made of vacuum packed particles

The conceptual design of smart crash energy absorber made of Vacuum Packed Particles (VPP) is presented in this work. This structure is composed of granular material inside a plastomer sleeve. The absorber can change the flexural stiffness and as a result the amount of dissipated energy depending on the impact conditions. The special properties of the granular structure create the possibility of various applications as different working modes can be used. When the pressure inside is equal or higher than atmospheric pressure the system behaves similarly to a liquid, otherwise it has properties similar to viscoplastic solid. The physical properties of the structure may be rapidly changed by adjusting the pressure inside the system. Due to these properties Vacuum Packed Particles is considered to be a smart material.