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.


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    Title :

    Side Impact Crashworthiness of Full-Size Hardtop Automobiles


    Contributors:
    L. M. Shaw (author) / E. Enserink (author)

    Publication date :

    1972


    Size :

    187 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





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