DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY ABSORBING AUTOMOTIVE STRUCTURES USING SCALE MODEL TEST TECHNIQUES

To reduce the cost of developing energy absorbing structures for passenger cars and trucks, scale model test methods have been developed. The scaling relationships needed to relate scale models to full size structures have been formulated and a test program conducted to validate the relationships and develop scaling factors. A 30 ft. drop tower facility was constructed to conduct the test program. The scale model test techniques and the drop tower were used to develop an energy absorbing frame for a light van type vehicle. A brief description of an upgraded drop tower facility is also presented.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the Third International Conference on Occupant Protection, 1974.
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers

  485 Lexington Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10017
• Authors:
  • Pavilick, M J
• Conference:
  • Presented at the Third International Conference on Occupant Protection, 1974.
• Publication Date: 1974

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 103-111

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash tests; Energy absorbing materials; Ratios; Test procedures; Testing equipment; Trucks
• Uncontrolled Terms: Model tests
• Old TRIS Terms: Energy absorbers; Scale (Ratio)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Motor Carriers; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00080723
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE Paper No. 740750
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 26 1975 12:00AM