Investigations of composite energy absorbing elements

In this work the problem connected with an improvement of the road safety through implementation of additional elements absorbing the hitting energy is taken into consideration. The experimental results of a basic absorbing element of the glass epoxy composite are presented. The results of these tests will serve for the construction of a reliable numerical model of a panel of protective elements. The coincidence between the experimental and numerical results is also proved, showing that introduced approach to the modelling of the process of the progressive destruction and the energy absorption by composite elements is not only properly assumed but is very promising for the future. Efforts, which lead to increase the amount of absorbed energy need actions, directed to improving absorbing energy properties of used elements. Therefore, the received results will serve as guidelines for elaboration the methodology of the research structures of that type and also could be used in further research works within the scope of increasing the road security. In the article it is also proved that there is the necessity to conduct the series of comparative experiments and also tests verifying numerical studies at loading speeds, which can be compared with ones in reality, e.g. crash test or shock wave of an explosion. The validated, in such way, method of numerical simulations enables the limitation of costly and long-lasting research of real objects.