Abstract
This research is based on a technique for evaluating high-speed material deformation characteristics related to the crush behavior of energy-absorbing structures. It has resulted in the material concept of high tensile steel featuring both increased material strength and higher strain-rate sensitivity in order to improve its energy-absorbing capacity. We found 590N/mm 2-class dual-phase
(DP) steel is consistent with this concept. In this study concerning the application of new materials to actual vehicle structures, it was found to be extremely important to consider the effect of the manufacturing process on the work hardening of the structures. Finally, it was shown that the use of DP steel results in a 15% reduction in the weight of absorbing structures without affecting crashworthiness.