Energy Absorbing Bumpers for Transit Buses: Transbus Program.

摘要

The report describes the results of a program to test and evaluate the potential benefits of energy absorbing bumpers for transit buses. The objective of the program is to determine,through controlled tests,the capabilities/limitations of six new design energy absorbing bumper systems. Principal emphasis is placed upon the bumper system performance under simulated in-service tests with respect to its effectiveness in protecting the bus from minor accident hazards encountered during revenue service. The economic benefits of energy absorbing bumpers are discussed with respect to life-cycle accident costs. The test facilities,each type of bumper system tested,and the test procedure is described in detail,in terms of the objectives of the tests,equipment and methodology used for testing,and functional descriptions of each bumper system. The detailed test results for each bumper system are presented in table format. The detailed test results for each bumper system are presented in table format,indicating energy absorbing performance at various impact velocities,maximum impact capability,and other attendant characteristics. Conclusions concerning the results of the tests including projected benefits of energy absorbing bumpers are delineated. Significant factors relating to bumper weight,cost,durability,etc.,are summarized.