Implementation and assessment of measures for compatible crash behavior using the aluminum vehicle as an example

Schoeneburg, Rodolfo; Pankalla, Horst

Affiliations

Abstract

The compatibility of passenger cars is mainly attributable to the parameters of mass, the shape of the contact surfaces and the rigidity of the vehicle’s front end. Due to its low density, aluminum offers excellent conditions for compatible behavior in road traffic.

Using the Audi A8 as an example, a presentation is made of the design measures which have a positive impact on the distribution of kinetic energy on both the vehicles involved in a crash. Great importance is placed on structural and passenger simulations using FE and MBS programs during the concept phase of vehicle development.

In the meantime the compatible design of the vehicle’s front end has been confirmed by test series performed by independent test centers. Findings show that the aluminum body is subject to highly regular deformation in an offset crash both with a vehicle of identical mass and with vehicles of lower mass. The aluminum body is also capable of absorbing a high proportion of the total energy produced by the two vehicles.

Finally, further test results are forming the basis for discussing how well the 40% offset crash at 40 mph (IIHS crash test) against a deformable barrier can simulate a real crash.

Links

URL: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv16/98s3o07.pdf

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Cited By (2)

Year	Entry
1998	Zobel R. Demands for compatibility of passenger vehicles. In: Proceedings of the 16th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 31–June 4, 1998; Windsor, Ontario, Canada.729-741.
2007	Mori T, Kudo T, Kosaka N, Motojima H. The study of the frontal compatibility with consideration of intreraction and stiffness. In: Proceedings of the 20th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). June 18-21, 2007; Lyon, France.