Basic Research in Automobile Crashworthiness-Testing and Evaluation of Modifications for Side Impacts

摘要

The side structures of several frame-type automobiles were modified with the objective of achieving constant deceleration without excessive passenger compartment intrusion. A review of actual accident cases showed evidence of a lack of adequate door strength relative to the support posts; hence, the initial vehicle modification consisted of a strengthened door and related structure. Two other modified vehicles were tested which involved changes to the vehicle frame. Additional tests included an unmodified (base line) vehicle for comparison, a developmental vehicle for investigating the performance of a minor modification and to improve methods of data collection and interpretation, and a number of dynamic door and beam component tests. Results of the tests showed the excessive compartment intrusion of present designs and demonstrated that improvement is possible with a moderate weight increase and without significantly higher peak decelerations. (Author)