Abstract: Due to the fact that drivers are usually hurt by vehicle steering mast in a frontal collision，a vehicle steering mast is studied based on the explicit dynamics finite element method． The finite element model of steering mast is developed． According to the request of collision，the steering mast with different materials including mild steel，alloy steel and high strength steel is investigated． The deformation pattern，displacement，velocity and energy absorption are discussed． The results show that the deformation pattern，deflection，crash time and energy absorption of the alloy steel and high strength steel are better than those of the mild steel． The vehicle steering mast with different material exerts influence on collision performance．

Key words: steering mast, explicit dynamics, finite element analysis, collision performance, numerical simulation

摘要： 针对驾驶员容易在汽车正面碰撞过程中受到转向系统伤害的问题，以微型轿车的转向柱为研究对象，运用显 式动力学有限元理论，建立了转向柱碰撞有限元模型;根据方向盘的碰撞要求，对材料分别为低碳钢、铝合金和高强 度钢的转向柱的碰撞性能进行了研究;对比分析了转向柱的变形形态、运动位移、速度和吸能量。结果表明:铝合金 和高强度钢在碰撞过程中的变形形态、变形量、碰撞时间以及吸能能力等方面均优于低碳钢，说明通过提高材料强 度的方式改善转向柱的碰撞性能是可行的。研究成果为汽车转向柱的设计和碰撞性能的提高提供了依据。

关键词: 转向柱, 显示动力学, 有限元分析, 碰撞性能, 数值模拟