Development of Vehicle Rating Systems for the Automobile Consumer Information Study. Volume I. Summary.

摘要

The purpose of the study is to develop a methodology capable of rating motor vehicles according to their damage susceptibility,crashworthiness,and maintainability characteristics. Insurance claim files and state accident records,as well as special files retained by NHTSA,form the principal data base used in the preliminary development of damage susceptibility and crashworthiness methodologies. Motor vehicle fleet operations proved to be the most reliable source for maintainability information. The feasibility of mathematical modeling as a predictive source of rating development was explored. Simulations of representative accident conditions were modeled to obtain vehicle performance characteristics which were compared to actual crash tests. Both vehicle dynamic and occupant response models were utilized to simulate front,rear,and side accident conditions. In addition to the development of vehicle rating criteria,the study considered the effect of such a rating system would have upon insurance premiums.