COMPOSITE ENERGY ABSORBING STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE

An energy absorbing structure for a vehicle includes a body having an outer periphery defined by one or more outer walls. An inner periphery of the body is defined by and extends between the one or more outer walls. A first end and a second end of the body are defined by the one or more outer walls. A transverse plate is disposed within and extending at least partially through the inner periphery of the body to provide structural support to the body, wherein the transverse plate cooperates with and extends between the first wall and the opposing second wall. The transverse plate divides the inner periphery into a first compartment defined between the third wall and the transverse plate and a second compartment defined between the fourth wall and the transverse plate.