Simplified impact simulation - Help Needed - Using a load rather than interaction - Help Needed

[CPHE]

The problem is to test the impact of the attentuator, the front end of an F1 car, when it hits a wall. After trying to complete this computationally as a contact analysis with constriants and interaction properties I was pulling my hair out. I got the idea seeing as it is a very simple problem could I just apply a force onto the surface to simulate the impact over a time period. The material used is an impact foam which I have the properties for. The shape of the attentuator is very simple just a solid rectangle extruded back with a draft. If it goes well I will be placing bars at the back of the model and testing the stress formation in the bars during impact. I can supply drawings and screen caps if it will make it easier to visualise.

 

[IceBreakerSours]

What errors forced you to pull your hair out?

http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=376

http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=1083

 

[CPHE]

Getting tie constraints and trying various Interaction properties to work were difficult. When the model ran the part hit the wall and just bounced back and kept gpoing back, even after setting the contact as a rough contact with no slip after contact. Tried a lot of variations before someone suggested this method to me. Could it work to apply a force over a surface which would simulate the impact?