Search Results

Thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) possesses the properties of both rubber and engineering plastic. The most important feature of this material lies in its ability to combine the superior repulsion elasticity and flexibility of rubber with the rigidity of engineering plastic. This enables it to exhibit durability against fatigue, even when exposed repeatedly to large deformation. The most remarkable feature of TPEE is such that it can realize material properties with very small strain rate dependency. The authors have had their ample experiences with applying TPEE to large damper members in the civil engineering structures, such as fenders surrounding the piers of bridges to absorb the impact energy caused by ship collisions and the aseismatic connectors built in bridge structures. This paper attempts to develop shock absorbing components of small sizes with light weight for automobile applications.