Mathematical models to evaluate structural forces in frontal crash tests

Fossat, Ezio

Affiliations

Abstract

In this paper, a mathematical model is presented in order to evaluate the force-deformation characteristics of car structures in 0° frontal crashes using a dynamometric barrier.

The method correlates the crash force with the car mass variation and the deceleration curve.

Essentially, the model divides the crash pulse in two different parts: the first one (approximately the progressive deformation of the front structure) from O-time to the beginning of the passenger compartment deformation; the second one (approximately the progressive deformation of the compartment itself) from the beginning of the passenger compartment deformation to the maximum deformation of the car.

Experimental data sample allows to find, using a multi-linear regression analysis, a statistical correlation between car masses and average mass variation. Extension of this method to off-set, angular or full 0° frontal crashes without using a dynamometric barrier is also discussed.

Cited Works (1)

Year	Entry
1989	Miyajima A, Takahashi N, Hataya G. An experimental study of crashworthiness of vehicle front structure. In: Proceedings of the 12th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). May 29–June 1, 1989; Göteborg, Sweden.271-275.

Cited By (4)

Year	Entry
1994	ó Ríordáin S, Vallet G, Wood DP, Césari D. Modelling of car dynamic crush behaviour in frontal impact. In: Proceedings of the 1994 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 21-23, 1994; Lyon, France.183-190.
1996	Wood D, O’Riordain S, Vallet G. Car frontal crush: a new perspective. In: Proceedings of the 1996 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 11-13, 1996; Dublin, Ireland.201-210.
1996	Wood DP, Mooney SJ. Car size and relative safety: fundamental theory and real life experience compared. In: Proceedings of the 1996 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact. September 11-13, 1996; Dublin, Ireland.223-239.
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.