BASIC RESEARCH IN CRASHWORTHINESS II - SIDE IMPACT TEST OF UNMODIFIED VEHICLES

A series of side impact tests was performed with conventional, unmodified automobiles. The tests consisted of seven vehicle-to-vehicle collisions and a single-vehicle lateral impact into a fixed pole obstacle. The purpose was to establish the crashworthiness of typical American automobiles under impact conditions encompassing (1) perpendicular side collisions between full-size, frame chassis automobiles through a 15 MPH to 45 MPH speed range, (2) perpendicular side collisions of compact and subcompact automobiles struck by full-size automobiles at 30 MPH, (3) a perpendicular side collision of a full-size, unibody automobile at 30 MPH, (4) an oblique side collision between full-size, frame chassis automobiles at 45 MPH, and (5) a lateral impact of a full-size, frame chassis automobile against a fixed pole obstacle at 21 MPH. Test results indicate the nominal upper level of occupant protection provided by the full-size conventional automobiles and the tendency towards degraded side collision crashworthiness associated with smaller vehicles. General areas of structural and passenger compartment interior design are defined where modifications or refinements are needed to enhance occupant protection in side collision accidents. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Calspan Corporation

  4455 Genesee Street
  Buffalo, NY  United States  14225
• Authors:
  • Greene, J E
• Publication Date: 1973-2

Media Info

• Pagination: 244 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Chassis; Crash injury research; Crash tests; Crashes; Crashworthiness; Design standards; Doors; Motor vehicle bodies; Passenger compartments; Research; Safety engineering; Side crashes; Structural analysis; Vehicle compartments; Vehicle interiors
• Uncontrolled Terms: Structural properties
• Old TRIS Terms: Automobile bodies; Chasis; Nhsb
• Subject Areas: Research; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00047320
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: CAL-YB-2987-V-9 Intrm Rpt, HS-800 818
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FH-11-7622
• Files: HSL, NTIS
• Created Date: Sep 27 1973 12:00AM