SIDE IMPACT CRASHWORTHINESS OF FULL-SIZE HARDTOP AUTOMOBILES PHASE 2

The purpose of this program was to investigate and improve the side impact crashworthiness of full-size hardtop automobiles. Phase I established the side impact crash response characteristics of conventional late-model hardtop automobiles in a series of five crash tests. Phase II was devoted to developing and verifying a crashworthy side structure design through analytical studies as well as through component and full-scale crash testing. The optimum concept and materials were identified through structural and trade-off analyses and consisted of: A stiffened occupant compartment rigidly coupled to a reinforced frame; and a crushable foam energy-absorbing system. The design was developed by conducting three full-scale crash tests. A concluding vehicle-to-vehicle crash test demonstrated that the finalized design meets the program objectives.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • See also PB-209 634.
• Corporate Authors:

  Dynamic Science

  ,    
• Authors:
  • SHAW, L M
  • Enserink, E
• Publication Date: 1972-10

Media Info

• Pagination: 187 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash injury research; Crash tests; Crashes; Crashworthiness; Design; Frames; Motor vehicle bodies; Research; Safety
• Old TRIS Terms: Automobile bodies; Hardtop automobiles; Nhsb
• Subject Areas: Design; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00046228
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: 2310-72-29 Final Rpt
• Contract Numbers: DOT-HS-046-1-209
• Files: NTIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 1973 12:00AM