Evaluating Human Risk in Side Impact Collisions with Roadside Objects

2000 ◽  
Vol 1720 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm H. Ray ◽  
Kamarajuggada Hiranmayee
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Profile ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Side Impact ◽  
Crash Test ◽  
Test Evaluation ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Human Risk ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Conservative Values ◽  
Crash Tests

Full-scale crash tests are traditionally used to assess the danger posed by roadside object. Crash test evaluation criteria should relate the observable response of the vehicle and the struck object to the likely risk of injury to vehicle occupants in similar real-world collisions. Side impact collisions are particularly serious impacts, but no evaluation guidelines exist. A simple method is presented for determining human risk in a side impact collision with a roadside object from the velocity profile of the impacted face of the struck object. This method not only eliminates the use of anthropometric test devices in crash tests, but also gives conservative values to account for the variable occupant position at the time of impact.

A Sub-System Test Methodology for Simulating EEVC Side Impact

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishnakanth Aekbote ◽  
Srinivasan Sundararajan ◽  
Joseph A. Prater ◽  
Joe E. Abramczyk
Keyword(s):  
Full Scale ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Side Impact ◽  
Vehicle Body ◽  
Crash Test ◽  
Vehicle Performance ◽  
Test Methodology ◽  
Supporting Frame ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Crash Tests

Abstract A sled based test method for simulating full-scale EEVC (European) side impact crash test is described in this paper. Both the dummy (Eurosid-1) and vehicle structural responses were simulated, and validated with the full-scale crash tests. The effect of various structural configurations such as foam filled structures, material changes, rocker and b-pillar reinforcements, advanced door design concepts, on vehicle performance can be evaluated using this methodology at the early stages of design. In this approach, an actual EEVC honeycomb barrier and a vehicle body-in-white with doors were used. The under-hood components (engine, transmission, radiator, etc.), tires, and the front/rear suspensions were not included in the vehicle assembly, but they were replaced by lumped masses (by adding weight) in the front and rear of the vehicle, to maintain the overall vehicle weight. The vehicle was mounted on the sled by means of a supporting frame at the front/rear suspension attachments, and was allowed to translate in the impact direction only. At the start of the simulation, an instrumented Eurosid-1 dummy was seated inside the vehicle, while maintaining the same h-point location, chest angle, and door-to-dummy lateral distance, as in a full-scale crash test. The EEVC honeycomb barrier was mounted on another sled, and care was taken to ensure that weight, and the relative impact location to the vehicle, was maintained the same as in full-scale crash test. The Barrier impacted the stationary vehicle at an initial velocity of approx. 30 mph. The MDB and the vehicle were allowed to slide for about 20 inches from contact, before they were brought to rest. Accelerometers were mounted on the door inner sheet metal and b-pillar, rocker, seat cross-members, seats, and non-struck side rocker. The Barrier was instrumented with six load cells to monitor the impact force at different sections, and an accelerometer for deceleration measurement. The dummy, vehicle, and the Barrier responses showed good correlation when compared to full-scale crash tests. The test methodology was also used in assessing the performance/crashworthiness of various sub-system designs of the side structure (A-pillar, B-pillar, door, rocker, seat cross-members, etc.) of a passenger car. This paper concerns itself with the development and validation of the test methodology only, as the study of various side structure designs and evaluations are beyond the scope of this paper.

Side-Impact Crash Test and Evaluation Criteria for Roadside Safety Hardware

1998 ◽  
Vol 1647 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm H. Ray ◽  
Martin W. Hargrave ◽  
John F. Carney ◽  
K. Hiranmayee
Keyword(s):  
Impact Test ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
The United States ◽  
Side Impact ◽  
Roadside Safety ◽  
Test And Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Procedures ◽  
Roadside Hardware ◽  
Crash Tests

During the past decade, reducing the severity of side-impact collisions has been an emerging area of research by a variety of organizations and research communities. The motor vehicle manufacturing and regulatory communities in the United States, Europe, and many other countries have developed dynamic side-impact test and evaluation criteria to reduce the severity of vehicle-to-vehicle side-impact collisions. Similarly, the international research community has developed test procedures for performing impacts into poles, one of the most severe types of side-impact collisions. Preliminary side-impact test and evaluation procedures have been conducted for roadside safety hardware, like guardrails, guardrail terminals, luminaire supports, utility poles, and signs. Recommendations for performing roadside hardware side-impact crash tests are summarized; the results of several side-impact roadside hardware crash tests are described; the proposed test and evaluation procedures are compared with other major side-impact test and evaluation procedures; and areas requiring further research are discussed.

Flared Energy-Absorbing Terminal Median Barrier

2002 ◽  
Vol 1797 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-95
Author(s):  
John R. Rohde ◽  
John D. Reid ◽  
Dean L. Sicking
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Reverse Direction ◽  
Crash Test ◽  
Impact Performance ◽  
Pickup Truck ◽  
Terminal Set ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Energy Absorbing ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Crash Tests

The design and crash test results of a median barrier version of the Flared Energy-Absorbing Terminal, known as FLEAT-MT, are presented. This energy-absorbing terminal is designed for use with a W-beam, strong-post median barrier. The FLEAT-MT terminal uses two standard FLEAT terminals, one for each of the two W-beam rail elements. The energy-absorbing capability of the FLEAT-MT terminal is based on the sequential kinking concept, similar to that used with the Sequential Kinking Terminal and FLEAT guardrail terminals. Three full-scale vehicle crash tests were conducted to evaluate the impact performance of the FLEAT-MT terminal in accordance with guidelines set forth in NCHRP Report 350: Test 3-35—pickup truck redirection test (Test No. FMT-1), Test 3-31—pickup truck head-on test (Test No. FMT-2), and Test 3-39—pickup truck reverse-direction test (Test No. FMT-3M). The terminal performed as designed. The FLEAT-MT terminal meets all evaluation criteria for a Test Level 3 median barrier terminal set forth in NCHRP Report 350. The FLEAT-MT terminal is being evaluated by FHWA for approval to be used on the National Highway System.

Door Latch Failure Risk Identification Using Virtual Testing Methods

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Friedman ◽  
Khanh Bui ◽  
John Hutchinson
Keyword(s):  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Risk Identification ◽  
Side Impact ◽  
Crash Test ◽  
Loading Conditions ◽  
Passenger Vehicle ◽  
Virtual Testing ◽  
Side Door ◽  
Failure Loads

Vehicle door latch performance testing presently utilizes uniaxial quasi-static loading conditions. Current technology enables sophisticated virtual testing of a broad range of systems. Door latch failures have been observed in vehicles under a variety of conditions. Typically, these conditions involve multi-axis loading conditions. The loading conditions presented during rollovers on passenger vehicle side door latches have not been published. Rollover crash test results, rollover crashes, and physical Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 206 latch testing results are reviewed. The creation and validation of a passenger vehicle door latch model is described. The multi-axis loading conditions observed in virtual rollover testing at the latch location are characterized and applied to the virtual testing of a latch in the secondary latch position. The results are then compared with crash test and real world rollover results for the same latch. The results indicate that a door latch that meets the secondary latch position requirements may fail at loads substantially below the FMVSS 206 uniaxial failure loads. In the side impact mode, risks associated with door handle designs and the potential for inertial release can be considered prior to manufacturing with virtual testing. An example case showing the effects of material and spring selection illustrates the potential issues that can be detected in advance of manufacturing. The findings suggest the need for re-examining the relevance of existing door latch testing practices in light of the prevalence of rollover impacts and other impact conditions in today's vehicle fleet environment.

Development of a Test Level 4, Side-Mounted, Steel Tube Bridge Rail

2020 ◽  
Vol 2674 (9) ◽  
pp. 525-537
Author(s):  
Jennifer D. Rasmussen ◽  
Scott K. Rosenbaugh ◽  
Ronald K. Faller ◽  
Robert W. Bielenberg ◽  
Joshua S. Steelman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Steel Tube ◽  
Concrete Slabs ◽  
State Highway ◽  
The Face ◽  
Box Beams ◽  
Hollow Structural Section ◽  
Crash Tests ◽  
Test Level ◽  
Standard Steel

A new, side-mounted, steel beam-and-post bridge rail was designed, crash tested, and evaluated according to safety performance guidelines included in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) for Test Level 4 (TL-4). The new bridge rail system was designed to be compatible with multiple bridge decks, including cast-in-place concrete slabs and prestressed box beams. Additionally, the bridge rail was designed to remain crashworthy after roadway overlays up to 3 in. thick. The bridge rail was designed and optimized based on strength, installation cost, weight per foot, and constructability. The new bridge rail consisted of three rectangular steel tube rails supported by standard steel cross section, W6 × 15 steel posts spaced at 8 ft on-center. The upper rail was a 12 × 4 × ¼ in. hollow structural section (HSS) steel tube, and the lower two rails were 8 × 6 × ¼ in. HSS steel tubes. The top mounting heights for the upper, middle, and lower rails were 39 in., 32 in., and 20 in. above the surface of the deck, respectively. A new, side-mounted, post-to-deck connection was also developed that incorporated HSS steel spacer tubes that offset the posts 6 in. from the bridge deck and aligned the face of the bridge rail with the edge of the deck. Thus, the traversable width of the bridge was maximized. Three full-scale crash tests corresponding to the MASH TL-4 testing matrix were performed on the new bridge rail. All three crash tests successfully contained and redirected the vehicles and satisfied all MASH evaluation criteria.

Cable and Wire Rope Barrier Design Considerations: Review

2003 ◽  
Vol 1851 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dean C. Alberson ◽  
Roger P. Bligh ◽  
C. E. Buth ◽  
D. Lance Bullard
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Wire Rope ◽  
Crash Test ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Initial Tension ◽  
Wire Ropes ◽  
Serious Injuries ◽  
Horizontal Curvature ◽  
Crash Tests ◽  
Design Scenario

Cable or wire rope barrier was being used in the 1940s and maybe earlier for vehicle containment. Through the years the designs have changed, but engineers continue to see cable barrier as an inexpensive barrier for use in some roadside applications. Recently, cable or wire rope has gained popularity as a median barrier for the prevention of cross-median accidents. Cross-median accidents are typically violent collisions with a high probability of multiple serious injuries and deaths. Thus, the design trend is gravitating toward providing positive vehicle containment in wider medians for which barriers have not historically been warranted. Wire rope often provides a cost-effective solution for this design scenario. Field experience with cable or wire rope barriers has identified areas for design improvement. It is desirable that cables remain taut to improve interaction with the vehicle, reduce dynamic deflections, and minimize maintenance. Additionally, reduced design deflections result in more potential application sites. Recent research demonstrates that such improvements are practical and cost-effective. Besides the initial tension in the wire ropes, other factors that can have a significant influence on dynamic deflections include post spacing and horizontal curvature. Computer simulations with cable barriers with various post spacings and horizontal curvatures were used to develop guidelines for expected design deflections. Finally, full-scale crash tests were completed with a new, cost-effective cable terminal system, and a brief review of the design and crash test results is included.

A Base Study to Investigate MASH Conservativeness of Occupant Risk Evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan Schulz ◽  
Chiara Silvestri Dobrovolny ◽  
Stefan Hurlebaus ◽  
Harika Reddy Prodduturu ◽  
Dusty R. Arrington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Evaluation ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Evaluation Criteria ◽  
Oblique Impact ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Crash Test ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Vehicle Interior ◽  
Space Model ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The manual for assessing safety hardware (MASH) defines crash tests to assess the impact performance of highway safety features in frontal and oblique impact events. Within MASH, the risk of injury to the occupant is assessed based on a “flail-space” model that estimates the average deceleration that an unrestrained occupant would experience when contacting the vehicle interior in a MASH crash test and uses the parameter as a surrogate for injury risk. MASH occupant risk criteria, however, are considered conservative in their nature, due to the fact that they are based on unrestrained occupant accelerations. Therefore, there is potential for increasing the maximum limits dictated in MASH for occupant risk evaluation. A frontal full-scale vehicle impact was performed with inclusion of an instrumented anthropomorphic test device (ATD). The scope of this study was to investigate the performance of the flail space model (FSM) in a full-scale crash test compared to the instrumented ATD recorded forces which can more accurately predict the occupant response during a collision event. Additionally, a finite element (FE) model was developed and calibrated against the full-scale crash test. The calibrated model can be used to perform parametric simulations with different testing conditions. Results obtained through this research will be considered for better correlation between vehicle accelerations and occupant injury. This becomes extremely important for designing and evaluating barrier systems that must fit within geometrical site constraints, which do not provide adequate length to redirect test vehicles according to MASH conservative evaluation criteria.

Evaluation of Human Body Dynamical Behaviour During Handling Maneuvers and Crash Test Simulations Using Multi-Body Codes

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Braghin ◽  
Paolo Pennacchi ◽  
Edoardo Sabbioni
Keyword(s):  
Rigid Body ◽  
Human Body ◽  
Dynamical Behaviour ◽  
Crash Test ◽  
Frontal Crash ◽  
Race Car ◽  
Body Dynamics ◽  
Multi Body ◽  
Vehicle Chassis ◽  
Crash Tests

The dynamic behavior of the human body during race car maneuvers and frontal crash tests is analyzed in this paper. Both the vehicle and the human body have been modeled using the multi-body approach. Two commercial codes, BRG LifeMOD Biomechanics Modeler®, for the simulation of the human body dynamics, and MSC ADAMS/Car® for the modeling of the vehicle behavior, have been used for the purpose. Due to the impossibility of co-simulating, at first the accelerations on the driver’s chassis are determined using the vehicle’s multibody code and approximating the driver as a rigid body. Then, the calculated accelerations are applied to the vehicle chassis in the biomechanics code to assess the accelerations in various significant points on the driver.

A simple method to include vertical resolution in a river model, and results from an implementation

2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flemming Jakobsen ◽  
Kim Wium Olesen ◽  
Mads Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Profile ◽  
Solution Technique ◽  
Test Cases ◽  
Vertical Resolution ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
Accelerated Flow ◽  
Bed Friction ◽  
Logarithmic Velocity Profile ◽  
Good Agreement

A simple method to include vertical resolution in a one-dimensional river model is outlined. The equations on which the method is based are the width-averaged continuity, momentum and transport equations. Some details are given on how to formulate the bed friction in a river model with vertical resolution. The equations are transformed to be in sigma coordinates. The numerical techniques, which make maximum use of an already implemented numerical solution technique in an existing river model, are described. The method is used to implement vertical resolution in the existing river model, MIKE 11. The implementation is tested on the following cases: logarithmic velocity profile, wind driven velocity profile, rapid accelerated flow, lock exchange and finally wind-forced entrainment. All test cases showed good agreement.

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