Usage of magneto-active elastomers in a bumper of a vehicle for front impact protection

The control of the rigidity of the bumper can be provided by an application of magneto-active elastomers (MAE), capable to change their properties in a reversible and fast manner under the action of an applied magnetic field. The dependence of the energy taken away by the bumper at the impact on variable weight and rigidity has been found taking into account the presence of controllable MAE elements in the bumper construction. The calculated fields of pressure and deformations are necessary for optimization of a design, form and material of a forward panel of a bumper.