Browse Topic: Vehicle side structures
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.
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.
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.
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