Analysis of rollover accidents indicates that automotive roof structures are often unable to manage rollover impact energy well. Gross bending and the collapse of the roof pillars, headers and rails are common in these accidents. Most automotive roofs rely on formed sheet steel that is spot-welded together to provide rigidity and strength. The construction of these components often includes surface voids or holes that introduce stress risers and reduce the strength and load capacity of the structural members. These reductions translate into a roof with reduced crashworthiness when subjected to rollover forces. Test specimens representative of an automotive roof pillar were tested in four-point bending. A rectangular steel tube with a large surface void had a reduced peak resistance of 22% and reduced energy absorption capability of 43%. Several composite foams were analysed as reinforcements to specimens with surface voids. The reinforcements increased peak forces by 432 - 603% and energy absorption by 897-1177%. A specimen with increased material thickness and a surface void increased peak force by 385% and energy absorption by 639%.


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    Title :

    Reinforcing automotive roofs with composite materials


    Additional title:

    Verstärkung von Autodächern durch Kompositwerkstoffe


    Contributors:
    Herbst, B. (author) / Chng, D. (author) / Meyer, S.E. (author) / Forrest, S. (author)


    Publication date :

    2000


    Size :

    4 Seiten, 2 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 3 Quellen



    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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