BARRIER TESTING FOR SINGLE-SEAT RACECARS

摘要

Motor-racing-circuit barrier systems have traditionally been tested by impacting them with a flat impactor at a velocity of 43 km/h (27 mi/h). With the adoption of energy-absorbing nosecones on Formula 1 and other single-seat racecars, it has become necessary to develop a more appropriate test to determine the compatibility between the sharp, rigid nosecone and relatively soft tire barriers used on circuits. The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) commissioned the Transport Research Laboratories (TRL) in the UK to conduct a series of barrier-impact tests using a Formula 3000 nosecone mounted on the 780-kg (1720-lb) impacting trolley at speeds of 60 and 80 km/h (37 and 50 mi/h). The 14 tests evaluated the performance of existing and modified barriers, and two types of proprietary barriers (whose results are reported here).