Browse Topic: Vehicle side structures

Items (67)
Experimental and Computational Study of the Flow around a Stationary and Rotating Isolated Wheel and the Influence of a Moving Ground Plane2019-01-06474/2/2019
This study investigates the aerodynamic behavior of the flow around a rotating and stationary 60% scale isolated wheel, with and without the use of a moving ground plane. The aim of this research was to improve the understanding of the fundamental aerodynamic flow features around a wheel and to examine how rotation and moving ground planes modify these and affect the production of drag. A bespoke rotating wheel rig was designed and wind tunnel tests were performed over a range of pre to post critical Reynolds numbers. Force coefficients were obtained using balance measurements and flow field data were obtained using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The unsteady flow field data generated was used to validate unsteady CFD predictions. These were performed using STAR-CCM+ and a k-ω SST Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES) turbulence model. This was seen to outperform other models by capturing an increased amount of finer detailed, high frequency vortical structures. The CFD showed good agreement with the experimental results providing, for the first time, a validated numerical methodology. Comparing stationary and rotating wheels the CFD and experimental data both illustrated large scale structural differences in the surrounding flow due to changes in separation and wake structure. The rotating model also exhibited a lower drag at post critical Reynolds numbers, which is corroborated by existing literature. Importantly, the CFD showed minimal difference between a stationary and moving ground plane simulation with a rotating wheel. This is evidence that, provided the wheel is rotating, valid experiments can be performed without the complexity of a moving ground plane.
Rajaratnam, EleanorWalker, Duncan
This aerospace information report (AIR) provides historical design information for various aircraft landing gear and actuation/control systems that may be useful in the design of future systems for similar applications. It presents the basic characteristics, hardware descriptions, functional schematics, and discussions of the actuation mechanisms, controls, and alternate release systems. The report is divided into two basic sections: 1 Landing gear actuation system history from 1876 to the present. This section provides an overview and the defining examples that demonstrate the evolution of landing gear actuation systems to the present day. 2 This section of the report provides an in depth review of various aircraft. A summary table of aircraft detail contained within this section is provided in paragraph 4.1. The intent is to add new and old aircraft retraction/extension systems to this AIR as the data becomes available. NOTES 1 For some aircraft, the description is incomplete, due to difficulties in obtaining the data.
A-5B Gears, Struts and Couplings Committee NEW Name Goes Her
Collision Deformation ClassificationJ224_201702 (Historical)2/23/2017
The purpose and scope of this SAE Recommended Practice is to provide a basis for classification of the extent of vehicle deformation caused by vehicle accidents on the highway. It is necessary to classify collision contact deformation (as opposed to induced deformation) so that the accident deformation may be segregated into rather narrow limits. Studies of collision deformation can then be performed on one or many data banks with assurance that the data under study are of essentially the same type.1 The seven-character code is also an expression useful to persons engaged in automobile safety, to describe appropriately a field-damaged vehicle with conciseness in their oral and written communications. Although this classification system was established primarily for use by professional teams investigating accidents in depth, other groups may also find it useful. The classification system consists of seven characters, three numeric, and four alphameric, arranged in a specific order. The characters describe the deformation detail concerning the direction, location, size of the area, and extent which, combined together, form a descriptive composite of the vehicle damage. The individual character positions are referred to by column number for identification and computer storage compatibility as illustrated in Figure 1. The definition of each classification is provided in subsequent sections. An Appendix is also provided to assist in application and interpretation.
Data Collection and Archiving Standards Committee
Improving Side Crash Performance of a Compact Car via CAE2014-01-05464/1/2014
The side impact accident is one of the very severe crash modes for the struck side occupants. According to NHTSA fatality reports, side impact accounts for over 25% of the fatalities in the US. Similar fatality estimates have been reported in the EU region. Side crash compliance of a compact car is more severe because of the less space available between the occupant and the vehicle structure, stringent fuel economy, weight and cost targets. The current work focuses on the development of Side body structure of a compact car through Computer Aided Tools (CAE), for meeting the Side crash requirements as per ECE R95 Regulation. A modified design philosophy has been adopted for controlling the intrusion of upper and lower portion of B-pillar in order to mitigate the injury to Euro SIDII dummy. At first, initial CAE evaluation of baseline vehicle was conducted. Further design iterations were carried out to optimize the stiffness of B-pillar for meeting the performance targets of B-pillar intrusion and velocity. The developed countermeasure package enabled in reducing the weight of side body structure of vehicle by 25% while satisfying the performance targets. Finally all the countermeasures were implemented in the Prototype vehicle and physical crash test was conducted for the final verification. Test and CAE results showed very good correlation in terms of overall vehicle deformation as well as B-pillar intrusion and velocity profile. Significant improvement in the Side crash performance of the vehicle was achieved with the newly adopted design philosophy.
Kumar, SanjeevDeb, Pinak
Performance Driven Package Feasibility of Side Restraints Using KBE Tools2013-26-00271/9/2013
Integrating safety features may lead to changes in vehicle interior component designs. Considering this complexity, design guidelines have to take care of aspects which may help in package feasibility studies that consider systems performance requirements. Occupant restraints systems for protection in side crashes generally comprise of Side Airbag (SAB) and Curtain Airbag (IC). These components have to be integrated considering design and styling aspects of interior trims, seat contours and body structure for performance efficient package definition. In side crashes, occupant injury risk increases due to hard contact with intruding structure. This risk could be minimized by cushioning the occupant contact through provision of SAB and Inflatable IC. This paper explains the methodology for deciding the package definitions using Knowlwdge Based Engineering (KBE) tools. The logic in the applications helps to generate package layout requirements for airbag module configurations as well as interior components. The protection zones for occupant body regions such as thorax for SAB and head for IC could be defined using the applications. The location of chambers to be inflated for protection could be arrived at thereby providing extent of airbag envelope required. The variations arising out of occupant anthropometry, seating attitude have also been considered. Package clearance requirements with interfaces like side door and pillar trims, seat belts, could be identified. Package constraints for hard components which increase occupant injury risk can also be defined. The requirements to ensure stable deployments, particularly for IC, could also be analyzed. The application outputs are available as summary reports, data which could be further used by design teams. The applications have been successfully validated on vehicle programs.
Chavare, Ajay P.Khare, PratyushBhise, AmitBelanke, Prreya
Modular Parallel Kinematics Intelligent Assembly Automation2011-01-253410/18/2011
In all modern automated assembly it is essential to be able to accommodate all kind of processes like surface detection, drilling, countersinking, orbital drilling, cleaning, sealing, and assembly, without having to develop special equipment for each and every application, and it is also important that an automated system can be adapted to various shapes and materials on large parts, such as wings and fuselages, as well as smaller parts like flaps and doors. Historically this type of assembly has always required large, heavy-duty, expensive machines designed and built with (and for) high accuracy over the entire work envelope and consequentially such large machines been generally very complex and normally financially and physically impossible to build with more than one spindle/assembly tool. To meet above challenges the aerospace industry must adapt automotive thinking using multiple process units such as articular arm robots, but in contrary to automotive the processes in aerospace are highly accurate and have to be performed in tough materials like composite and titanium, and for such operations conventional articular arm robots used in the automotive industry is not suitable. The new Exechon Parallel Kinematics technology is a standard modular "machine tool robotics system" combining the flexibility and dynamics of articular arm robots with the accuracy and stiffness of CNC machines. This new patented design gives these modules extreme mobility and, in combination with adapting technologies such as cross lasers and force sensors, it can perform accurate agile assembly over very large areas without the use of accurate large expensive heavy-duty structures. The modular system is also designed especially to achieve the goal of adapting all kind of standard "off the shelf technologies" incorporating such technologies in automated aerospace systems using automotive thinking with standard tool changers, etc. It has been a tradition within aerospace to use multiple processing heads meaning that a huge end-effector is positioned on a surface, and a complete cycle of drilling, countersinking, cleaning, sealing, and assembly of, e.g., a Hi-Lok® is performed before moving to next position. However, using above described Exechon modular system with standard tool changers, and automotive thinking where the time to make a tool change is divided by the number of operations per tool, a new way of aerospace assembly is possible. For example, if the Exechon module uses its high dynamics to drill 100 holes within its work envelope, and then changes tool to a counter sink and perform 100 countersinks, the tool change time shall be divide by 100, and if the tool change time is 10 seconds this operation adds no more than 0,1 seconds to each hole and operation (10/100=0,1), and it's hard even for a multiple processing end-effector to make a tool change in that time. Further to above, the Exechon modular system has the cost advantages and reliability of articular arm robot systems, and we believe it will contribute to high-quality cost-efficient aerospace assembly.
Neumann, Karl-Erik
Collision Deformation ClassificationJ224_201105 (Historical)5/18/2011
The purpose and scope of this SAE Recommended Practice is to provide a basis for classification of the extent of vehicle deformation caused by vehicle accidents on the highway. It is necessary to classify collision contact deformation (as opposed to induced deformation) so that the accident deformation may be segregated into rather narrow limits. Studies of collision deformation can then be performed on one or many data banks with assurance that the data under study are of essentially the same type.1 The seven-character code is also an expression useful to persons engaged in automobile safety, to describe appropriately a field-damaged vehicle with conciseness in their oral and written communications. Although this classification system was established primarily for use by professional teams investigating accidents in depth, other groups may also find it useful. The classification system consists of seven characters, three numeric, and four alphameric, arranged in a specific order. The characters describe the deformation detail concerning the direction, location, size of the area, and extent which, combined together, form a descriptive composite of the vehicle damage. The individual character positions are referred to by column number for identification and computer storage compatibility as illustrated in Figure 1. The definition of each classification is provided in subsequent sections. An Appendix is also provided to assist in application and interpretation.
Data Collection and Archiving Standards Committee
Self Adapting Parallel Kinematic Machines for Large Wing and Fuselage Assembly2010-01-18559/28/2010
Historically, assembly of large aerospace structures has always required large, heavy duty, expensive machines designed and built with (and for) high accuracy over the entire work envelope. Such large machines are also generally very complex and it is normally financially and physically impossible to build these machines with more than one spindle/assembly tool. The presentation will present “use cases” utilizing a platformless design, to deliver high dynamics and accuracy while dramatically reducing cost and eliminating the restrictions of one spindle/assembly tool. Case studies will show the application of extreme mobility in combination with adapting technologies such as cross lasers, which can perform accurate agile assembly over very large areas without the use of accurate large expensive heavy duty structures. Additional discussions will address case-studies on the ability to use small agile modules that can perform The Parallel Kinematic Machines (PKM) developed since 1985 by Karl-Erik Neumann, starting with the Tricept 600, continuing with the Tricept 605, 805, and 9000, and the new “balljointless” Exechon X300, X700, and X1100, ending up in the latest “platformless” XT300S, XT700S, and XT1100S, has always been striving to give aerospace manufacturer a solution that utilize the flexibility and cost benefits of articulated arm robots, the performance of CNC machines, as well as the efficiency of special machines. Exechon was founded around this dream in 2004, and the first “balljointless” X700 machine saw daylight summer 2006, and since then the technology has been licensed out to twenty one (21) Manufacturer and Integrators worldwide.
Neumann, Karl-ErikBolen, Al
Dynamic Response of Vehicle Roof Structure and ATD Neck Loading During Dolly Rollover Tests2010-01-05154/12/2010
The debate surrounding roof deformation and occupant injury potential has existed in the automotive community for over 30 years. In analysis of real-world rollovers, assessment of roof deformation and occupant compartment space starts with the post-accident roof position. Dynamic movement of the roof structure during a rollover sequence is generally acknowledged but quantification of the dynamic roof displacement has been limited. Previous assessment of dynamic roof deformation has been generally limited to review of the video footage from staged rollover events. Rollover testing for the evaluation of injury potential has typically been studied utilizing instrumented test dummies, on-board and off-board cameras, and measurements of residual crush. This study introduces an analysis of previously undocumented real-time data to be considered in the evaluation of the roof structure's dynamic behavior during a rollover event. A series of dolly rollover tests (Forester Test Series) were conducted on both concrete and compacted dirt surfaces. The test vehicles, 2003 Subaru Foresters, had a roof strength-to-weight ratio (SWR) of 4.8 ( Summers, 2005 ), among the highest of all vehicles NHTSA has tested to date. The vehicles were instrumented with accelerometers and angular rate sensors to measure the vehicle kinematics and dynamics. The vehicles were also instrumented at the A- and B-pillars with strain gages, accelerometers, and string potentiometers to document the dynamic loading and motion of the pillars at the roof rail junctions. High-speed and real-time video cameras visually documented vehicle motions and roof deformation. The third test in the Forester Test Series, conducted on a dirt surface, included Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs) in the front seating positions to assess the interactions of the ATDs within the occupant space. This paper presents innovative techniques and data analysis that include the dynamic measurement of roof displacement, acceleration, and strain using polar plots and video synchronized with data.
Croteau, JeffreyZolock, JohnLarson, RobertBare, ClevePeterson, DanielParker, Donald
Visibility driven design of new modularized Volvo car tophat structure2008-36-012610/7/2008
To find weight efficient structure solutions has always been a major issue for vehicle manufactures to support low emissions and good handling properties. In the same time, a lot of work has been carried out in the area of passive safety, e.g. larger structures to handle crash forces, negatively leading to structural components occupying more space which affects the possibilities of good vision leading to decreased active safety, i.e. difficulties to view and detect traffic situations. The main driver in this study has been active safety represented by driver visibility. The reference model used for the study was the Volvo V50. Based on this car model a number of conceptual ideas have been studied based on the three project targets Visibility, Weight and Modularization. Beside outside visual requirements definitions, visibility has been verified for each of the developed conceptual designs. Methods used have been monocular vision analysis in a horizontal plane, ambinocular spherical projection analysis and also virtual reality driver simulations in a city environment. Main focus has been to minimize obstruction by the A- and B-pillars as well as optimizing and widening forward direct vision. The result of this project is a modification of the vehicle body side structure and a substantial weight reduction was gained. The resulting concept is based on the idea of reducing the uniside structure covering the vehicle body side structure in the reference vehicle, were new slimmed A- and B-pillars have created optimized and widening forward direct vision.
Sundin, AndersHasselblad, Harald
A Study on the Development Process of a Body with High Stiffness2005-01-24645/16/2005
Design optimization of a vehicle is required to increase a product value for noise and vibration performances and for a fuel-efficient car. This paper describes the development process of a high stiffness and lightweight vehicle. A parameter study is carried out at the initial stage of design using the mother car, and a design guide with a good performance is achieved early prior to the development of the proto car. Influences of body stiffness based on the relative weight ratio of the floor and side structures are analyzed. Results show that bending and torsional stiffness has a significant effect on weight distribution ratio. Influences of the distribution of side joint stiffness are analyzed through numerical experiments. Results reveal that the stiffness difference between the upper and lower parts should be small to increase the stiffness of a body. In addition, the process of designing the body attachment stiffness is summarized to ensure the vibration isolation of the suspension mounting unit. In the case of the rear suspension mounting unit, the body attachment stiffness is found to increase in the left and right direction, when the package tray pass-through structure is used on the rear wheel housing and rear floor joint, to minimize rear seat noise. This paper is expected to shorten the development period by the present stiffness analysis process. And a body with high stiffness and lightweight is developed for the vibration and noise performance at the initial stage of design.
Kim, Ki-changChoi, In-hoKim, Chan-Mook
Analysis of a Real-World Crash Using Finite Element Modeling to Examine Traumatic Rupture of the Aorta2005-01-12934/11/2005
One of the leading causes of death in automotive crashes is traumatic rupture of the aorta (TRA) or blunt aortic injury (BAI). The risk of fatality is high if an aortic injury is not detected and treated promptly. The objective of this study is to investigate TRA mechanisms using finite element (FE) simulations of reconstructed real-world accidents involving aortic injury. For this application, a case was obtained from the William Lehman Injury Research Center (WLIRC), which is a Crash Injury Research and Engineering Network (CIREN) center. In this selected crash, the case vehicle was struck on the left side with a Principal Direction of Force (PDoF) of 290 degrees. The side structure of the case vehicle crushed a maximum of 0.33 m. The total delta-V was estimated to be 6.2 m/s. The occupant, a 62-year old mid-sized male, was fatally injured. The occupant sustained multiple rib fractures, laceration of the right ventricle, and TRA, among other injuries. The method proposed in this study allowed simulation of a real-world accident. The method involved two phases. First, the car-to-car interaction was simulated using car FE models. The FE car models were obtained from the National Crash Analysis Center (NCAC) public model archives, and were modified to represent the actual crash vehicles. The simulation was validated against intrusion and crush data. Second, the interaction between the occupant and the interior of the automobile was simulated using input as the results of the first simulation. The occupant was modeled using a whole-body human FE model developed at Wayne State University. The model was developed to simulate the human body response to impact and includes descriptions of all major thoracic and abdominal organs, major blood vessels including the aorta, and all major bony structures. The model represents a mid-sized male. The aortic stress patterns observed in the FE simulation were compared to the autopsy findings. It is hoped that the predicted internal kinematics of the thorax can help to better understand the injury mechanism of TRA. Results can also be used to design future experimental studies aiming at producing TRA in cadavers.
Shah, Chirag S.Maddali, MuralikrishnaMungikar, Sandip A.Beillas, PhilippeHardy, Warren N.Yang, King H.Bedewi, Paul G.Digges, KennerlyAugenstein, Jeffrey
Ultra High Strength FeMn TWIP Steels for Automotive Safety Parts2005-01-13274/11/2005
Energy savings are among the most important goals of steel users. But generally, the increase of Tensile Strength for a given metallurgy is obtained to the detriment of ductility. ARCELOR develops new ultra high strength steel with TWinning Induced Plasticity (TWIP) effect for weight reduction and impact resistance. This product based on a manganese (Mn) alloying metallurgy has a tensile stress higher than 1000 MPa for a total elongation superior to 50%. This text deals with mechanical testing, welding and different design solutions which could be associated with this new steel grade in comparison with conventional UHS steel (HSLA, DP, TRIP, etc.). Tensile and formability properties are presented first by means of basic tests (stretching, bending, etc.) in order to classify the different steels. Then welding parameters and mechanical behavior of spot weld are presented. In addition to this, the crash resistance is investigated by using a dynamic axial compression test and a dynamic three point bending test on structural components with closed and open cross sections. For each steel grade, the estimated weight saving potential is compared with respect to parts manufactured in high drawing ability steel. Fatigue resistance is also investigated on this material and on welding assembly by using cyclic test. The exceptional mechanical characteristics of this product permit to propose innovative steel design solutions for automotive safety component.
Cornette, D.Cugy, P.Hildenbrand, A.Bouzekri, M.Lovato, G.
A New Component Test Methodology Concept for Side Impact Simulation1999-01-04273/1/1999
This paper describes the development of a new component test methodology concept for simulating NHTSA side impact, to evaluate the performance of door subsystems, trim panels and possible safety countermeasures (foam padding, side airbags, etc.). The concept was developed using MADYMO software and the model was validated with a DOT-SID dummy. Moreover, this method is not restricted to NHTSA side impact, but can be also be used for simulating the European procedure, with some modifications. This method uses a combination of HYGE and VIA decelerator to achieve the desired door velocity profile from onset of crash event until door-dummy separation, and also takes into account the various other factors such as the door/B pillar-dummy contact velocity, door compliance, shape of intruding side structure, seat-to-door interaction and initial door-dummy distance. This method is capable of reproducing the characteristic “double-peak” of the door velocity profile and, can be used for side airbag evaluation, by simulating the close-in velocity and distance between the side structure and dummy. In this approach, the door velocity profile is simulated in four phases: In the first phase, a pre-crushed door mounted on a ‘Door sled’ (at approximately the same distance from the dummy as in a car), is accelerated by the HYGE until it impacts the stationary dummy, to generate the first peak. In the second phase, from the onset of dummy contact, the door sled is decelerated by a honeycomb block (mounted on another ‘Base sled’), simulating the first ride-down of the velocity profile. During this phase, the HYGE is dormant. In the third phase, the HYGE accelerates both the Door and Base sleds together to simulate the second peak. In the fourth phase, the Door and Base sleds are decelerated until door-dummy separation by means of a VIA decelerator system, thus simulating the entire door velocity profile from start of crash event until the door and dummy separate. In conclusion, the MADYMO model demonstrates the feasibility of the concept, pending experimental prove-out on the sled.
Aekbote, K.Sundararajan, S.Chou, C. C.Lim, G. G.Prater, J. A.
Estimating Vehicle Deformation Energy for Vehicles Struck in the Side9802152/23/1998
The reconstruction of accidental impacts to the side structure of one or more accident vehicles often incorporates estimates of the energy absorbed by laterally struck vehicle(s). Such estimates generally involve considerably more issues than does the assessment of frontal or rear impact deformation energy. The sides of vehicles are, compared to the usual striking object, relatively broad, and they contain zones of varying stiffness supported by collapsible box structures. Side stiffnesses can vary widely, depending upon impact geometry. Most side impact crash tests that can readily be used to make estimates of side stiffness have been conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These tests are almost exclusively conducted against one particular area of the side structure, the damage sustained by test vehicles is generally poorly documented, and reported crush is obtained via procedures which contain measurement discontinuities as the severity of the impacts increase. Published “recommended” crush coefficients generally assume that the CRASH constant stiffness model holds over the complete range of crush depths. The concept of a Force Saturation model is recommended to deal with the more realistic structural behavior seen in practice at larger crush depths. This paper has two main objectives: (1) to summarize and critique the currently available side impact data base upon which side stiffness models and their associated coefficients have and can be based, and (2) to provide guidelines and insights into the development of reasonable energy estimates by use of improved crush models and crush measurement procedures.
Strother, Charles E.Kent, Richard W.Warner, Charles Y.
Comparison Study of EuroSID, USSID, BioSID Performance Using MIRA's New M-SIS Side impact Simulation Technique9601032/1/1996
Side impact crashworthiness presents a complex problem mainly due to the dynamic interaction between the occupant and the vehicle during the impact. This dictates that the ‘occupant restraint system’ cannot be considered separately from the ‘crash pulse’ as is generally the case with frontal impact. The automotive industry has been seeking effective methods for side impact development of their vehicles, MIRA has introduced two such techniques. The first is called Side Impact Dynamic Emulation, or SIDE for short. This two sled system in a HyGe laboratory generates representative deformation and the correct dynamic loading of the structure and the dummy. This technique is now well established. The second is a side impact simulation technique (M-SIS). The technique accurately simulates dummy and door interaction witnessed in full scale crash tests. Seat to door, and dummy to door contacts are reproduced for each test along with the velocity profile required. The system has been developed for both European and American side impact legislation and injury criteria values are evaluated from the relevant side impact dummy. Since automotive manufacturers would prefer to develop their vehicles using one type of dummy, it was decided to subject the EuroSID, USSID and BioSID dummies to a pulse derived from a European side impact crash test. Results from the first stage exercise, the comparison of Eurosid and USSID, are presented in this paper.
Hopton, J. R.Payne, A. R.
A system which can remotely measure detailed deformations of vehicle structures during crush events was developed. The system uses ordinary video or 16 mm high speed movie to capture the crush event. This information is digitized and analyzed using personal computers to perform photogrammetric manipulations which yield accurate surface geometries. The output is useful for comparison to computer simulations. This paper presents preliminary results regarding the accuracy of this system.
Karvelis, Albert V.Rogers, Michael W.Anderson, Carl E.Liubinskas, Aldis
This paper provides an overview of the Side impact Research program conducted by Vehicle Methods and Components Department of Ford Motor Company over the past three years. A simple spring-mass computer simulation model is developed for predicting crash behavior of the body side structure of a vehicle impacted on its side by another vehicle. The model was used in determining the degree of structural reinforcement required to effectively reduce body side intrusion of a compact size vehicle. Exellent agreement between the predicted and test results was obtained and the effectiveness of structural reinforcements in reducing occupant cushioning requirement was demonstrated.
Lim, G. G.Paluszny, A.
The Viking VII shows that high performance and excellent fuel economy can be obtained in one vehicle if superior aerodynamics and extremely low weight are realized. An aluminum semi-monocoque chassis tub and advanced composite body shell provide a light weight stiff and crashworthy structure. Extensive use of aluminum in the engine, transaxle, wheels, suspension, brakes and steering allow further weight savings. Extensive wind tunnel testing has resulted in a drag coefficient of .26. A reclining seating position and severe tumble home on the greenhouse gives a frontal area of only 13 ft.2 Development of a 16 valve DOHC boxer engine provides 133 BHP at 7,000 RPM. The use of a compound carburetor for each cylinder allows high performance without compromising low load fuel economy.
Seal, Michael R.
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