DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A STRUCTURAL CRASHWORTHINESS SYSTEM FOR A STANDARD SIZE AUTOMOBILE

The objective of the study was to develop two pre-prototype vehicles which would provide improved structural performance during front, side, rear and rollover collisions. Various subsystems were extensively investigated; these included the frame, passenger compartment structure, door beams, glass and padding. Structural modifications were incorporated into two 1973 standard size Ford sedans which represented the pre-prototype vehicles. These vehicles were subjected to handling and crash testing. The crash tests were planned so that front, side and rear impact data were obtained. The vehicle performance generally met the requirements as stated. Excellent performance was obtained during lateral collisions, where dummy results were within accepted limits during 30 MPH moving barrier collisions. The total structural modification resulted in a net weight increase slightly less than ten percent of the base vehicle (1973 Ford) curb weight.

• Corporate Authors:

  Calspan Corporation

  4455 Genesee Street
  Buffalo, NY  United States  14225

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • MILLER, P M
  • Greene, J E
• Publication Date: 1975-1

Media Info

• Pagination: 288 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Anthropometry; Automobiles; Crash injury research; Crash tests; Crashes; Crashworthiness; Design standards; Dummies; Prevention; Prototypes; Research; Safety; Safety engineering; Structural analysis; Structural design; Testing; Vehicle characteristics; Vehicle components; Vehicle performance
• Uncontrolled Terms: Structural properties
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00090411
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: CALSPAN-ZM-5177-V-2 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-HS-053-2-487
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: May 29 1975 12:00AM