DETERMINATION OF ENERGY-ABSORBING MEMBERS IN CAR STRUCTURES FOR PASSIVE SAFETY

The protection of vehicle-passengers under impact conditions is mainly a function of controlled energy absorption in the view of body engineering design. Control means in mathematical formulation a minimization of passenger loading under the given change of velocity and a given deformation space. The permissible deformation is limited by the request for a sufficent survival space within the passenger compartment, i.e. rigid body shell. On the other side the injury criteria are related to passenger's deceleration-pulse and shall not exceed defined values. Within these boundaries the INERTIAL EFFECTS govern the loading of passengers as a function of chosen change of velocity. Although static tests have proven their worth in various cases of structural strength, they are unsuitable to take into account inertial effects. These effects can best be studied by using a dynamic test device to investigate and handle parametric studies in a cost and time effective manner. Important areas for investigation are: Optimization of vehicle's collapse mode and body energy management for appropriate deceleration level and pulse; and minimization of passenger loading by appropriate design of restraint system including safety belts, seats, interior layout. The test device DYNAMIC CRUSHER serves both purposes. It is used to provide information by measuring test data to investigate the behaviour of vehicle structures and structure-components at different kinematic conditions.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • ISATA 84, "In Pursuit of Technical Excellence". Proceedings Volume 1. International Symposium on Automotive Technology and Automation with particular reference to Vehicle Management Systems and Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Milan, Italy 24-28 September 1984.
• Corporate Authors:

  Automotive Automotion Limited

  42 Lloyd Park Avenue
  Croydon CRO 5SB, Surrey,   England 

  Alfa Romeo Auto SpA

  Milan,   Italy 
• Authors:
  • Brasche, R
  • Ottersbach, H J
  • Schmitt, H
• Conference:
  • ISATA 84, "In Pursuit of Technical Excellence". Proceedings Volume 1. International Symposium on Automotive Technology and Automation with particular reference to Vehicle Management Systems and Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Milan, Italy 24-28 September
• Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 957-976

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Absorbents; Crashworthiness; Deceleration; Dynamic tests; Energy absorption; Inertia; Kinematics; Manual safety belts; Seats; Testing equipment; Vehicle design; Vehicle safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Interior
• Old TRIS Terms: Passive absorbers; Vehicular safety
• Subject Areas: Design; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00399932
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: ISATA 84055, HS-038 472
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Oct 31 1985 12:00AM