SIDE DOOR LATCH/HINGE ASSEMBLY EVALUATION. FINAL REPORT

Ejections cases involving passenger cars (excluding sport cars) and light trucks were retrieved from NASS files 1981 through 1983 for statistical study; relevant hard copies of accidents during 1980 through 1984 period were also examined for detailed damage description of the affected vehicles, especially to latches and hinges. The results are presented in tables using 14 relevant parameters. Ejection rates were determined using recent FARS and POLK data for 173 makes and models and ranked in descending order. 24 latch/hinge specimens were tested to destruction, in which the maximum loads in both longitudinal and transverse directions and the corresponding load deformation curves recorded. It was found that ejection is a rare event, representing less than 2% of all NASS cases. Ejections through side doors contribute over 50% of the total occupant ejections. Although occupant ejection incidents are relatively infrequent, the casualties are extraordinarily high. The results of hard copy accident report study show that door hinges seldom failed during car crashes and door latch failures were the primary cause of door openings. Therefore, the latch strengths are the prime target for investigation. Tests show that the ejection rates are strongly correlated with maximum latch loads and energy absorption in longitudinal direction. A lesser correlation exists between the ultimate transverse latch loads and occupant ejection rates.

• Corporate Authors:

  Chi Associates Incorporated

  Arlington, VA  United States 

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • SHAMS, T
  • Nguyen, T
  • Chi, M
• Publication Date: 1986-10

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; Tables;
• Pagination: 392 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Crash reports; Door handles; Door latches; Ejection; Energy absorption; Failure; Hinges; Light trucks; Loads; Mechanical tests
• Identifier Terms: Fatal Accident Reporting System; National Accident Sampling System
• Uncontrolled Terms: Destructive testing
• Old TRIS Terms: Door opening
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I80: Accident Studies; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00496625
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-807 234
• Contract Numbers: DTNH22-83-A-07255
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 31 1990 12:00AM