DETERMINATION OF THE TRADEOFFS BETWEEN SAFETY, WEIGHT, AND COST OF POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS TO VEHICLE STRUCTURE AND RESTRAINTS

This report describes a tradeoff study between safety, weight, and cost of possible improvements to vehicle structures. Safety gains were evaluated primarily by means of crash simulations performed using the NHTSA/Battelle Four-Mass Per Car Collinear Collision Model (FMCCM) computer program. The topical framework for this study includes: (1) a literature search, (2) the development of a restraint system model and survival criterion, (3) the development of energy absorber characteristics, (4) FMCCM simulations, (5) a potentially new method for utilizing accident data statistics, and (6) dynamic response tuning study. The results of the study indicate both the likely incremental gains in crash energy management which can be obtained with an increase in weight and cost; and the level of complexity involved in assessing such gains when the chosen analysis includes consideration of tuning the vehicle structure to the restraint system, variations in vehicle loading, present and projected accident statistics, etc.

• Corporate Authors:

  Battelle Columbus Laboratories

  505 King Avenue
  Columbus, OH  United States  43201
• Authors:
  • Alexander, G H
  • Conrad, R E
  • Neale, M R
• Publication Date: 1974-12

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 275 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash injury research; Crashes; Energy absorption; Research; Simulation; Size; Vehicle design; Vehicle safety; Weight
• Old TRIS Terms: Vehicular safety
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00081465
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Highway Safety Research Institute
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT-HS-801-293 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-HS-322-3-621
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 8 1975 12:00AM