Window Impact Forces from Occupants during Motor Coach Rollover

The objective of this study was to numerically simulate a motor coach rollover event, predict the motion of unrestrained passengers during this event, and determine the force generated on the window glazing from passenger impact. Using the knowledge gained in this study, it is hoped that window designs can be improved with the intent that they do not fail from passenger impact loads. This would reduce the number of passenger ejections from motor coaches during rollovers, and thus, save lives. For the event and scenarios analysed, the range of impact forces between the window glazing and dummy was between 3400 N (770 lb) and 5500 N (1240 lb). The highest impact force of 5500 N (1240 lb) occurred for scenario 1 where a single dummy impacts the window. The lateral speed that produced the maximum forces on the glazing for this scenario was approximately 30 kph. Recommended future research includes a detailed study of the fabrication of the windows, use of a dummy to perform numerical analyses of impact loads over time as well as instantaneous peak forces, development of a test for window glazing that is representative of actual passenger impacts, and assessment of occupant injury risks due to impact with glazing.

• Corporate Authors:

  Martec Limited

  1888 Brunswick Street, Suite 400
  Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3J8,   Canada 

  Transport Canada

  Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation Directorate, 330 Sparks Street
  Ottawa, Ontario  Canada  K1A 0N5
• Authors:
  • Crocker, John
  • Delbridge, Greg
• Publication Date: 2004-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 33p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Buses; Dummies; Ejection; Future; Glazing; Impact loads; Recommendations; Research; Rollover crashes; Simulation; Speed; Windows (Vehicles)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Unrestrained passengers
• Subject Areas: Highways; Public Transportation; Research; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01000726
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: Martec Technical Report TR-04-41
• Contract Numbers: T8080-03-0268
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 7 2005 9:55AM