| abstract |
A modular energy absorbing assembly 10 comprising at base 12, and at least one energy absorbing module 14 associated with the base for accommodating deformation of the assembly. At least some of the energy absorbing modules have a plurality of recesses 16 defined within the base. Each of the plurality of recesses has a floor and at least one wall extending from the floor to the base. An intermediate segment extends between the floor and the at least one wall. The intermediate segment has an average radius (R). At least some of the recesses are oriented such that their floors are substantially orthogonal to a major incident component of the impacting force and their walls are inclined at an angle (alpha) to the major incident component of the impacting force, where (0<alpha<45 degrees), in order to maximize energy absorption by the wall over a given distance. The wall at least partially collapses and at least some of the recesses become at least partially compressed during energy absorption. |