Side Impact Crashworthiness of Full-Size Hardtop Automobiles.

摘要

The purpose of this program was to investigate and improve the side impact crashworthiness of full-size hardtop automobiles. Phase I established the side impact crash response characteristics of conventional late-model hardtop automobiles in a series of five crash tests. Phase II was devoted to developing and verifying a crashworthy side structure design through analytical studies as well as through component and full-scale crash testing. The optimum concept and materials were identified through structural and trade-off analyses and consisted of: A stiffened occupant compartment rigidly coupled to a reinforced frame;and a crushable foam energy-absorbing system. The design was developed by conducting three full-scale crash tests. A concluding vehicle-to-vehicle crash test demonstrated that the finalized design meets the program objectives.