Use of secondary energy absorbing structures for improved self protection performance:​ experiences during the development of a chassis based vehicle

Gadekar, Ganesh; C., Anil Kumar; Joshi, Ashok G.; Takle, Makarand

Affiliations

¹Tata Technologies Ltd. (Deputed to Tata Motors Ltd.), India

Abstract

Secondary Energy Absorbing Structures (SEAS) have been discussed in literature in the context of improving geometric compatibility between larger vehicles like SUVs and cars. While compatibility related work is still in a research phase, development of the vehicles for self protection remains a priority. Vehicles also have to be designed to meet set targets against consumer group tests like Euro NCAP.

A Secondary Energy Absorbing Structure on a Crossover kind of vehicle was evaluated to see the effect on self protection. Through the evaluation it was realized the SEAS can actually be optimized for improving the self protection and lead to reduced weight of the chassis frame. This concept was optimized to achieve weight savings in EuroNCAP load case.

This paper presents the results of evaluations, analysis of the reasons why SEAS is expected to lead to weight savings in a typical offset frontal crash along with the optimization work carried out for achieving weight savings.

Links

URL: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv22/22ESV-000283.pdf

Cited Works (1)

Year	Entry
2009	Park C-K, Thomson R, Krusper A, Kan C-D. The influence of sub-frame geometry on a vehicle’s frontal crash response. In: Proceedings of the 21st International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). June 15-18, 2009; Stuttgart, Germany.