Passive safety potential of low mass vehicles

Kaeser, Robert; Muser, Markus; Spiess, Oliver; Frei, Peter; Guenat, Jean Marc; Wingeier, Lars

Affiliations

¹Winterthur Polytechnic School of Engineering

²Swiss Federal Institute of Technology

³University of Zurich

⁴Petri AG Ingenieur Zentrum Berlin

⁵Consulting Engineer

Abstract

In frontal collisions between cars of different mass, the lower mass car will experience a higher velocity change (delta-v) than its opponent, corresponding to the mass ratio. An experimental low mass vehicle (LMV) conceived by the working group on accident mechanics has been modified to withstand an impact of 71 km/h against a deformable obstacle (two stacked FMVSS 214 barriers mounted on a rigid wall) simulating the opposing (high mass) car. In order to fulfil the occupant safety requirements, the restraint systems, e.g. belts, airbag, kneebolster, deformable steering wheel, as well as parts of the interior geometry - have been adapted using mathematical modelling prior to the test. Significant conclusions for the design of future low mass vehicles can be drawn.

Cited Works (4)

Year	Entry
1992	Kaeser R, Walz FH, Brunner A. Collision safety of a hard shell low mass vehicle. In: Proceedings of the 1992 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 9-11, 1992; Verona, Italy.133-142.
1994	Tarrière C, Morvan Y, Steyer C, Bellot D. Accident research and experimental data useful for an understanding of the influence of car structural incompatibility on the risk of accident injury. In: Proceedings of the 14th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 23-26, 1994; Munich, Germany.593-610.
1993	Niederer PF, Walz FH, Kaeser R, Brunner A. Occupant safety of low-mass rigid-belt vehicles. In: Proceedings of the 37th Stapp Car Crash Conference. November 7-8, 1993; San Antonio, TX. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:1-12. SAE 933107.
1993	Niederer PF, Kaeser R, Walz FH, Brunner A, Faerber E. Compatibility considerations for low-mass rigid-belt vehicles. In: Proceedings of the 1993 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 8-10, 1993; Eindhoven, The Netherlands.433-444.

Cited By (5)

Year	Entry
1998	Mizuno K, Kajzer J. The compatibility of mini cars in traffic accidents. In: Proceedings of the 16th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 31–June 4, 1998; Windsor, Ontario, Canada.715-728.
1998	Nett R, Appel H. Child safety in small and micro cars. In: Proceedings of the 16th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 31–June 4, 1998; Windsor, Ontario, Canada.1660-1664.
1996	Muser M, Krabbel G, Prescher V, Dragan A, Walz F, Niederer P. Advanced energy absorbing components for improved effectiveness of low mass vehicle restraint systems. In: Proceedings of the 1996 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 11-13, 1996; Dublin, Ireland.249-262.
1997	Fachbach B, Steffan H, Staska G. Occupant protection by a moveable seat system. In: Proceedings of the 1997 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 24-26, 1997; Hannover, Germany.399-408.
1999	Buzeman-Jewkes DG, Viano DC, Lövsund P. A multi-body integrated vehicle-occupant model for compatibility studies in frontal crashes. J Crash Prev Injury Control. 1999;1(2):143-154.