THE PREDICTION OF FRONTAL IMPACT CRASHWORTHINESS OF A SPACEFRAME SPORTS CAR

This paper describes the CAE (computer aided engineering) predictions and verifications performed whilst investigating the response of a low volume, niche market spaceframed British sports car (the Caterham 7, a front engined rear wheel drive, 2 seater sports convertible) to a standard frontal impact test. In considering the options for crashworthy design solutions, it was essential to understand and have confidence in the complex crash behaviour of the standard vehicle. A detailed knowledge of the construction and 'real world' observations have led to the simulation of a complex and highly nonlinear response including rapidly changing contact surfaces and tyre compression. An experimental test programme supported the finite element predictions and included the impact testing of typical brazed tubular structures and an automotive wheel and tyre.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13588265
• Corporate Authors:

  Woodhead Publishing, Limited

  Abington Hall, Abington
  Cambridge,   United Kingdom  CB1 6AH
• Authors:
  • WILLIAMS, T D
  • DE PENNINGTON, A
  • BARTON, D C
  • COATES, J
• Publication Date: 1999

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 147-58
• Serial:
  • International Journal of Crashworthiness
  • Volume: 4
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis
  • ISSN: 1358-8265
  • Serial URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tcrs20

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Crash tests; Crashes; Design; Simulation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Front
• ITRD Terms: 1243: Car; 1631: Collision; 9011: Design (overall design); 9025: Front; 1648: Impact test (crash); 9103: Simulation
• Subject Areas: Design; Research;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00794995
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Jul 7 2000 12:00AM