CRASHWORTHINESS OF THE SUBCOMPACT VEHICLE
The study examined the crashworthiness of subcompact vehicles both analytically and experimentally. The analytical studies included statistical accident analysis and dynamic response modeling. Experimental testing to determine baseline performance consisted of ten dynamic impacts at various angles and velocities. The 1974 production Pinto sedan provided adequate crashworthiness for 40 mph BEV aligned frontal impacts, 30 mph BEV offset and oblique frontal impacts, and 12 mph BEV side impacts. A modified design was developed which improved the crashworthiness in the most significant modes. Specifically, the modified design provides safety in the frontal aligned mode to at least 50 mph BEV, in the offset and oblique modes to at least 50 mph, and in the side impact mode to at least 30 mph.
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Supplemental Notes:
- See also PB-220 840.
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Corporate Authors:
Minicars, Incorporated
35 La Patera Lane
Goleta, CA United States 93017National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Authors:
- Tanner, R B
- Publication Date: 1976-8
Media Info
- Pagination: 298 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Automobiles; Compact automobiles; Crash injury research; Crash investigation; Crash tests; Crashes; Crashworthiness; Dynamic loads; Frontal crashes; Mathematical models; Metals; Motor vehicle bodies; Plastics; Research; Safety; Safety engineering; Side crashes; Statistical analysis; Structural engineering
- Uncontrolled Terms: Dynamic response
- Old TRIS Terms: Automobile bodies
- Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00145584
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
- Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-HS-801-969 Final Rpt.
- Contract Numbers: DOT-HS-113-3-746
- Files: TRIS, USDOT
- Created Date: Jan 16 1977 12:00AM