BASIC RESEARCH IN CRASHWORTHINESS II--INCORPORATION OF A MODIFIED FRONT STRUCTURE INTO OPERATIONAL AUTOMOBILES

A front structural modification utilizing the engine deflection concept was refined and incorporated into a series of fully operational automobiles. The structure was adapted to conventional 1972 full size Ford sedans. The structural modification did not have a significant effect on the handling characteristics of the modified automobile when compared to similar data for the conventional automobile. Three different operational automobiles were developed and crash tested into both flat and pole barriers at speeds ranging from 40 MPH to just under 60 MPH. In addition, to provide comparative data, a conventional 1972 Ford was impacted into the pole barrier at 57.8 MPH. Results of the study demonstrate the feasibility of significantly improving front structural crash performance using conventional automotive technology.

• Corporate Authors:

  Calspan Corporation

  4455 Genesee Street
  Buffalo, NY  United States  14225
• Authors:
  • MILLER, P M
• Publication Date: 1973-7

Media Info

• Pagination: 225 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Bumpers; Crash injury research; Crash tests; Crashes; Crashworthiness; Design standards; Dynamic tests; Motor vehicle bodies; Research; Safety engineering; Structural analysis
• Uncontrolled Terms: Structural properties
• Old TRIS Terms: Automobile bodies; Nhsb
• Subject Areas: Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00050783
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: CALSPAN-YB-2987-V-19Intrm Rpt
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-7622
• Files: NTIS
• Created Date: Jan 31 1974 12:00AM