MEET IN THE MIDDLE: CRASHWORTHINESS AND COMPATIBILITY OF LIGHTWEIGHT VEHICLES

This paper presents a study by the working group on accident studies in the Swiss universities and ETH, Zurich; it has been published previously. Accident and injury statistics show that there are more severe injuries in car-car collisions where the cars have lower mass. Current crash test standards do not allow for collisions between vehicles of different weights. Lower-mass vehicles require stiffer front and sides, and improved rear seat designs. A collision's most significant characteristic is the acceleration time function of the vehicle compartment, corresponding to the stiffness of the vehicle structure and the accelerated masses; this is the basis for the restraint system to be designed for the occupants. Different types of acceleration time functions must be considered, due to differences between different collision types. Velocity change during impact can be assessed by the law of conservation of momentum assuming perfectly plastic impact. The car interior must have structural integrity for reliable collision safety. With suitable designs of structure and restraint systems, lightweight vehicles can achieve high safety standards in frontal and side collisions, but rear impact protection is a problem because seats do not yet protect the neck from deformations.

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• Corporate Authors:

  UK and International Press

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• Authors:
  • Kaeser, R
  • FREI, P
  • DRAGAN, A
  • FEHR, R
  • Muser, M
  • DIPPEL, C
  • Walz, F
  • NIEDERER, P
• Publication Date: 1998-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 158-62
• Serial:
  • TESTING TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
  • Volume: 1
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: UK and International Press
  • ISSN: 1461-8966

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); Automobiles; Crashes; Injuries; Rear end crashes; Research projects; Safety; Standards; Statistics; Stiffness; Teams; Time; Velocity; Weight; Workshops
• Geographic Terms: Switzerland
• ITRD Terms: 5405: Acceleration; 1643: Accident; 1243: Car; 1631: Collision; 2163: Injury; 1620: Rear end collision; 8557: Research project; 1665: Safety; 187: Specification (standard); 5408: Speed; 6555: Statistics; 5931: Stiffness; 8110: Switzerland; 5414: Time; 5485: Weight; 9090: Working group
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00768675
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Sep 10 1999 12:00AM