FEASIBILITY STUDY OF PLASTIC AUTOMOTIVE STRUCTURE

Reinforced plastics materials were studied to determine the feasibility of designing crashworthy structure for a subcompact size automobile. Glass reinforced polyester and rigid polyurethane foam were selected as the primary materials of construction. Dynamic, 30 mph, drop tower tests were made on various shaped test elements to determine the energy absorbing characteristics. A frontal structure was designed, fabricated and tested, 50 mph flat barrier, using a modified 1974 subcompact automobile. It was concluded from the test results that glass reinforced polyester materials could be used in a crashworthy automotive structure with a potential weight and cost savings.

• Corporate Authors:

  Budd Company

  300 Commerce Drive
  Fort Washington, PA  United States  19034

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Jahnle, H A
• Publication Date: 1975-12

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: 15 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Compact automobiles; Crash tests; Crashworthiness; Dynamic tests; Energy absorption; Feasibility analysis; Glass; Motor vehicle bodies; Plastics; Polyester resins; Polyurethane foams; Polyurethane resins; Reinforced plastics; Testing
• Old TRIS Terms: Automobile bodies; Small car
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00094030
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: TCR-0283-FS Summ Rpt., DOT-HS-801-772
• Contract Numbers: DOT-HS-4-00929
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Mar 10 1976 12:00AM