New Energy-Absorbing High-Speed Safety Barrier

2003 ◽  
Vol 1851 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Reid ◽  
Ronald K. Faller ◽  
Jim C. Holloway ◽  
John R. Rohde ◽  
Dean L. Sicking
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Steel Tube ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Dynamic Component ◽  
Testing Program ◽  
Roadside Safety ◽  
New Energy ◽  
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ◽  
Energy Absorbing

For many years, containment for errant racing vehicles traveling on oval speedways has been provided through rigid, concrete containment walls placed around the exterior of the track. However, accident experience has shown that serious injuries and fatalities may occur through vehicular impacts into these nondeformable barriers. Because of these injuries, the Indy Racing League and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, later joined by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR), sponsored the development of a new barrier system by the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to improve the safety of drivers participating in automobile racing events. Several barrier prototypes were investigated and evaluated using both static and dynamic component testing, computer simulation modeling with LS-DYNA (a nonlinear finite element analysis code), and 20 full-scale vehicle crash tests. The full-scale crash testing program included bogie vehicles, small cars, and a full-size sedan, as well as Indy Racing League open-wheeled cars and NASCAR Winston Cup cars. A combination steel tube skin and foam energy-absorbing barrier system, referred to as the SAFER (steel and foam energy reduction) barrier, was successfully developed. Subsequently, the SAFER barrier was installed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in advance of the running of the 2002 Indianapolis 500 race. From the results of the laboratory testing program as well as analysis of the accidents into the SAFER barrier occurring during practice, qualification, and the race, the SAFER barrier has been shown to provide improved safety for drivers impacting the outer walls.

Development of Metal-Cutting Guardrail Terminal

1996 ◽  
Vol 1528 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian G. Pfeifer ◽  
Dean L. Sicking
Keyword(s):  
Metal Cutting ◽  
Performance Standards ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Dynamic Component ◽  
Roadside Safety ◽  
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Crash Tests ◽  
Impact Head

A crashworthy terminal for strong-post W-beam guardrail systems was developed at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln. The terminal incorporates an impact head that is placed over the end of a tangent section of W-beam rail. The impact head is designed to be pushed down the rail and to dissipate impact energy by cutting the W-beam along the peaks and valley to produce four essentially flat strips of steel. These flat strips are then deflected out of the path of the vehicle, striking the end of the rail. Static and dynamic component tests as well as full-scale developmental crash tests conducted during the development of this system are described. Finally, the results of the three full-scale compliance crash tests are presented and discussed. The metal-cutting guardrail terminal was shown to meet NCHRP Report 230 safety performance standards.

scholarly journals Investigation of Energy-Absorbing Properties of a Bio-Inspired Structure

Metals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 881
Author(s):  
Adrian Dubicki ◽  
Izabela Zglobicka ◽  
Krzysztof J. Kurzydłowski
Keyword(s):  
Absorption Capacity ◽  
Compression Tests ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Lightweight Structures ◽  
New Energy ◽  
Absorbing Material ◽  
Lightweight Structure ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Deformation Force ◽  
Energy Absorbing

Numerous engineering applications require lightweight structures with excellent absorption capacity. The problem of obtaining such structures may be solved by nature and especially biological structures with such properties. The paper concerns an attempt to develop a new energy-absorbing material using a biomimetic approach. The lightweight structure investigated here is mimicking geometry of diatom shells, which are known to be optimized by nature in terms of the resistance to mechanical loading. The structures mimicking frustule of diatoms, retaining the similarity with the natural shell, were 3D printed and subjected to compression tests. As required, the bio-inspired structure deformed continuously with the increase in deformation force. Finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out to gain insight into the mechanism of damage of the samples mimicking diatoms shells. The experimental results showed a good agreement with the numerical results. The results are discussed in the context of further investigations which need to be conducted as well as possible applications in the energy absorbing structures.

Design of the SAFER Emergency Gate Using LS-DYNA

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Bielenberg ◽  
John D. Rohde ◽  
John D. Reid
Keyword(s):  
Impact Load ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Crash Testing ◽  
Additional Protection ◽  
Energy Absorbing ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Gate Design

In recent years, NASCAR and the Indy Racing League have improved the safety of their racetracks through the installation of the Steel And Foam Energy Reduction barrier (SAFER). The new barrier consists of a high-strength, tubular steel skin that distributes the impact load to energy-absorbing foam cartridges in order to reduce the severity of the impact, extends the impact event, and provides the occupant of the race car additional protection. During installation of the SAFER barrier, the designers realized that certain race tracks were designed with the emergency track exit in the outside of the corner. Because the SAFER barrier needed to be installed in these corners, a gate mechanism had to be designed for the barrier that would provide access to the track while retaining the safety performance of the system. Full-scale crash testing of the first SAFER gate design showed that the gate did not posses sufficient capacity to handle the loads experienced during a worst-case impact scenario. Non-linear finite element analysis was then used to redesign the gate mechanism. The original gate design was simulated using LS-DYNA in order to validate the computational model. Modifications to increase the capacity of the gate mechanism were designed and analyzed until suitable results were obtained through simulation. Finally, the redesigned SAFER gate was successfully full-scale crash tested.

Crash Tests of Tension Bolts in Light Safety Collision Devices

2008 ◽  
Vol 385-387 ◽  
pp. 685-688 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Sung Kim ◽  
Hoon Huh ◽  
Won Mog Choi ◽  
Tae Soo Kwon
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Failure Load ◽  
Compressive Loading ◽  
Crash Test ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Load Response ◽  
Collision Safety ◽  
Energy Absorbing ◽  
Crash Tests

This paper demonstrates the jig set for the crash test and the crash test results of the tension bolts with respect to an applied pre-tension. The tension and shear bolts are adopted at Light Collision Safety Devices as a mechanical fuse when tension bolts reach designed failure load. The kinetic energy due to the crash is absorbed by secondary energy absorbing devices after the fracture of tension bolts. One tension bolt was designed to be failed at the load of 375 kN. The jig set was designed to convert a compressive loading to a tensile loading and installed at the high speed crash tester. The strain gauges were attached at the parallel section of the tension bolts to measure the level of the pre-tension acting on the tension bolts. Crash tests were performed with a barrier whose mass was 250 kg and initial speed of the barrier was 9.5 m/sec. The result includes the load response of the tension bolts during both the crash tests and finite element analysis.

Development of Hybrid Energy-Absorbing Reusable Terminal for Roadside Safety Applications

2005 ◽  
Vol 1904 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-36
Author(s):  
Nauman M. Sheikh ◽  
Dean C. Alberson ◽  
D. Lance Bullard
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Cost ◽  
Permanent Deformation ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Major Life ◽  
Roadside Safety ◽  
Hybrid Energy ◽  
Corrugated Plates ◽  
Energy Absorbing ◽  
Safety Applications ◽  
Crash Tests

The hybrid energy-absorbing reusable terminal (HEART) is a newly developed crash cushion or end terminal to be used in highway safety applications to mitigate injuries to occupants of errant vehicles. HEART is composed of corrugated plates of high–molecular weight, high-density polyethylene (HMW-HDPE) supported on steel diaphragms that slide on a fixed rail. Kinetic energy from errant vehicles is converted to other energy forms through folding and deformation of the HMW-HDPE material. Many previous designs utilized plastic or permanent deformation of plastics or steels to accomplish this goal. However, HEART is a combination of plastic and steel that forms a largely self-restoring and largely reusable crash cushion. Consequently, HEART has a major life-cycle cost advantage over conventional crash cushion designs. HEART was developed through extensive use of finite element analysis with LS-DYNA. The simulation approach adopted for the development of HEART, construction details, and a description and results of crash tests performed so far to evaluate its performance are presented. Also discussed is some of the follow-up work currently under way for approval of HEART by FHWA as an acceptable crash cushion for use on the National Highway System.

Sequential Kinking and Flared Energy-Absorbing End Terminals for Midwest Guardrail System

2005 ◽  
Vol 1904 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-53
Author(s):  
Robert W. Bielenberg ◽  
Dean L. Sicking ◽  
John R. Rohde ◽  
John D. Reid
Keyword(s):  
Center Of Gravity ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Roadside Safety ◽  
Safety Requirements ◽  
Energy Absorbing ◽  
Crash Tests ◽  
High Center

The Midwest guardrail system (MGS), developed at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, was designed to improve the performance of traditional strong-post, W-beam guardrail systems. These improvements include decreasing the potential for rollover with high center-of-gravity vehicles, decreasing the potential for rail rupture at the splice locations, and decreasing the sensitivity of the system to the installation rail height. However, safe guardrail termination options for the MGS must be developed before the system can be implemented on the roadside. Two end terminal designs, the sequential kinking terminal (SKT) and the flared energy-absorbing terminal (FLEAT), were partially redesigned and crash tested in conjunction with the MGS according to NCHRP Report 350 criteria. The new versions of the terminals were named the SKT-MGS and the FLEAT-MGS to designate them for use with the MGS. To evaluate the performance of the terminals with the MGS, a series of four full-scale crash tests was conducted: two redirection tests, NCHRP Report 350 Test Designations 3–34 and 3–35, and two head-on impacts, Test Designations 3–30 and 3–31. The results from the four crash tests were found to meet all relevant safety requirements. The SKT-MGS and FLEAT-MGS end terminals are the first successfully tested end terminals for use with the MGS.

High Speed Crash Barrier Investigation Using Simulation

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Reid ◽  
Ronald K. Faller ◽  
Dean L. Sicking
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
High Speed ◽  
The United States ◽  
Roadside Safety ◽  
High Speeds ◽  
Auto Racing ◽  
Race Track ◽  
Driver Injuries ◽  
Energy Absorbing ◽  
Rigid Walls

Abstract Auto racing has become one of the most popular sporting venues in the United States. For these events, vehicles typically travel around oval tracks at extremely high speeds, in some cases in excess of 365 km/h. At these higher speeds, these vehicles may be involved in multi-car collisions or impacts with the exterior rigid walls, potentially resulting in serious driver injuries or fatalities. Although infrequent, serious harm has also occurred to spectators as flying vehicle debris has passed over protective fencing. As a result of these accidents, researchers at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, in cooperation with the Indy Racing League, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Kestrel Advisors, Inc., have been investigating and developing several energy-absorbing barrier concepts that would provide increased track safety. Two concepts — one using HDPE plates and one using crushable foam — are described herein. Preliminary results from the computer simulation effort show great potential for increasing the safety of race track barriers.

Performance analysis of magnetic gear with Halbach array for high power and high speed

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 959-967
Author(s):  
Se-Yeong Kim ◽  
Tae-Woo Lee ◽  
Yon-Do Chun ◽  
Do-Kwan Hong
Keyword(s):  
Permanent Magnet ◽  
Eddy Current ◽  
High Power ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Torque Ripple ◽  
Eddy Current Loss ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Current Loss ◽  
Halbach Array ◽  
Magnetic Gear

In this study, we propose a non-contact 80 kW, 60,000 rpm coaxial magnetic gear (CMG) model for high speed and high power applications. Two models with the same power but different radial and axial sizes were optimized using response surface methodology. Both models employed a Halbach array to increase torque. Also, an edge fillet was applied to the radial magnetized permanent magnet to reduce torque ripple, and an axial gap was applied to the permanent magnet with a radial gap to reduce eddy current loss. The models were analyzed using 2-D and 3-D finite element analysis. The torque, torque ripple and eddy current loss were compared in both models according to the materials used, including Sm2Co17, NdFeBs (N42SH, N48SH). Also, the structural stability of the pole piece structure was investigated by forced vibration analysis. Critical speed results from rotordynamics analysis are also presented.

Tribological and dynamical analysis of a brake pad with multiple blocks for a high-speed train

2019 ◽  
Vol 234 (11) ◽  
pp. 1771-1788
Author(s):  
YK Wu ◽  
JL Mo ◽  
B Tang ◽  
JW Xu ◽  
B Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Wear Behavior ◽  
Dynamical Analysis ◽  
Brake Disc ◽  
Brake Pad ◽  
High Speed Train ◽  
Brake Squeal ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Single Block ◽  
Middle Ring

In this research, the tribological and dynamical characteristics of a brake pad with multiple blocks are investigated using experimental and numerical methods. A dynamometer with a multiblock brake pad configuration on a brake disc is developed and a series of drag-type tests are conducted to study the brake squeal and wear behavior of a high-speed train brake system. Finite element analysis is performed to derive physical explanations for the observed experimental phenomena. The experimental and numerical results show that the rotational speed and braking force have important influences on the brake squeal; the trends of the multiblock and single-block systems are different. In the multiblock brake pad, the different blocks exhibit significantly different magnitudes of contact stresses and vibration accelerations. The blocks located in the inner and outer rings have higher vibration acceleration amplitudes and stronger vibration energies than the blocks located in the middle ring.

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