Browse Topic: Rollover protective structures

Items (127)
A Simplified Analytical/Experimental Method for Evaluating Large Buses and Motor Coaches for Rollover Protection2018-01-50338/27/2018
This paper discusses a simplified analytical/experimental method for evaluating and designing large buses and motor coaches for rollover protection. The proposed method makes use of the work-energy principle in analyzing the energy-absorbing capacity of the roof and sidewall structure of the vehicle. The basic structural unit is treated as a nonlinear, elastoplastic, 4-bar linkage, with the links connected at hinge points. During rollover, the deformation of the structure is focused at these hinge points and energy absorption is achieved through plastic bending and rotation of the hinge material. The proposed method allows the evaluation and design of these plastic hinges to achieve the energy-absorbing requirements for the vehicle. This paper demonstrates the proposed methodology by evaluating an exemplar large bus design against the European ECE-R.66 rollover design standard. This same vehicle was similarly evaluated in a referenced study, using the finite element analysis (FEA) method. The objective of both studies was to determine a minimum weight solution for the vehicle structure. The minimum weight solution must satisfy both the minimum energy absorption requirements and the structural deformation limitations placed on the design by the ECE-R.66 standard. Both a baseline design and an optimized (minimum weight) design were evaluated in this study. The baseline design served as a reference point in determining the weight-saving potential for the vehicle. The FEA results show a weight-saving potential of 78 kg (172 lb) while the simplified, 4-bar linkage model gives a slightly heavier design with a weight-saving potential of 34 kg (77 lb), indicating that the proposed method of analysis is slightly conservative compared to the FEA method.
Pauls, Lonney S.
This SAE standard applies to all forestry machines exposed to the hazard of objects penetrating the front of the operator station (other than the roof). This would include:
MTC4, Forestry and Logging Equipment
This SAE Recommended Practice applies only to excavators, as defined in SAE J/ISO 6165, working above ground, near an excavated or free standing bank or mine face which is higher than the top of the cab, or in demolition applications of free standing buildings or objects higher than the top of the cab.
OPTC4, Protective Structures
This SAE Standard includes hydraulic backhoes which have no more than 190 degrees of rotational swing, and are mounted on wheel tractors and crawler tractors. Illustrations used are not intended to include all existing commercial machines or to be exact descriptions of any particular machine. The illustrations have been chosen to describe the principles to be used in applying this standard.
MTC1, Earthmoving Machinery
Biomechanics of Occupant Responses during Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) Riding and 90-degree Tip-overs2012-01-00964/16/2012
Recently, side-by-side Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) have brought elements of the on-road vehicle occupant environment to the off-road trail-riding world. In general, ROV occupant protection during normal operation and in accident scenarios is provided predominately by a roll cage, seatbelts, contoured seats with seat backs, handholds, and other components. Typical occupant responses include both passive (inertial) and active (muscular) components. The objective of the current study was to evaluate and quantify these passive and active occupant responses during belted operation of an ROV on a closed course, as well as during 90-degree tip-over events. Passive occupant responses were evaluated using anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) in 90-degree tip-overs simulated on a deceleration sled. Active occupant responses were evaluated using instrumented vehicles and volunteer occupants, wherein vehicle dynamics and gross occupant kinematics, muscle activity, occupant-to-vehicle pressure distributions and forces were quantified during riding on a closed course and during 90-degree tip-overs in a roll-spit fixture. For comparison, each test subject also performed a series of common physical activities while instrumented. Results indicated that the seatbelt was a critical component to the occupant protection system and that belted occupants were passively maintained within the occupant compartment during 90-degree tip-over events. Results also demonstrated that the active responses of the occupants further contributed to occupant stability and correlated significantly with the vehicle's lateral acceleration. Changes in patterns of muscle activation occurred approximate with the vehicle's change in turn direction and indicated a clear push-pull strategy of the occupant during left and right turns, respectively. Roll-spit testing demonstrated that the majority of lateral restraint was provided by the bucket seat, wherein modest lap belt forces constrained the pelvis within the seat contour and facilitated the generation of lateral contact forces. Forces exerted by occupants' extremities on the vehicle during a 90-degree tip-over were comparable to, or less than, the forces resulting from common physical activities.
Newberry, WilliamCarhart, MichaelLarson, RobertBridges, AmandaFowler, Graeme
Benefits and Methodology for Dimensioning a Vehicle Using a 3D Scanner for Accident Reconstruction Purposes2012-01-06174/16/2012
In the field of accident reconstruction, it is often important to measure the deformation of a vehicle (i.e. automobile, truck, motorcycle, etc.) after a crash has occurred. This data can be used for many purposes including energy calculations for speed loss, measuring roof or other structural deformation, analyzing seat or seat belt component positions, frame or unitized body structure deformation, and for estimating the actual post crash condition of a vehicle prior to the damage inflicted by the cutting and spreading tools used by emergency personnel. Traditionally, vehicle damage was measured using plumb bobs and tape measures or laser transits. However, these methods are not only time consuming but they also require a significant amount of upfront analysis to determine which points on the vehicle to measure at the inspection. In recent years, newer methods such as photogrammetry software and three dimensional scanners have come into play. Companies like FARO, Leica, Riegl, Trimble and Surphaser have developed these three dimensional laser scanners which can be used to efficiently document vehicle damage with millions of data points. The laser scanner equipment is simple to setup, collects data quickly and is accurate to a few millimeters. This paper describes the three dimensional scanning equipment and outlines a methodology of how to set it up at the vehicle inspection, how to process the voluminous data generated by the scanner, and then several case studies are presented showing how the data can be used in reconstructing crashes. The FARO Photon 80 scanner is used in examples.
Tandy, Donald F.Coleman, ClayColborn, JasonHoover, ToddBae, Jung
Aortic Mechanics in High-Speed Racing Crashes2012-01-01014/16/2012
Auto racing has been in vogue from the time automobiles were first built. With the dawn of modern cars came higher engine capacities; the speeds involved in these races and crashes increased as well. However, the advent of passive restraint systems such as the helmet, HANS (Head and Neck Support device), multi-point harness system, roll cage, side and frontal crush zones, racing seats, fire retardant suits, and soft-wall technology, have greatly improved the survivability of the drivers in high-speed racing crashes. Three left lateral crashes from Begeman and Melvin (2002), Case #LAS12, #IND14 and #99TX were used as inputs to the Wayne State Human Body Model (WSHBM) in a simulated racing buck. Twelve simulations with delta-v, six-point harness and shoulder pad as design variables were analyzed for the average maximum principal strain (AMPS) in the aorta. The average AMPS for the high-speed crashes were 0.1551±0.0172 while the average maximum pressure was 110.50±4.25 kPa. The average AMPS reported was significantly less than those reported in real-world accident reconstructions Belwadi et al., 2011 and Siegel et al., 2010, bi-axial material testing (Shah et al., 2006), and in whole body cadavers impacts (Hardy et al., 2008). The seat and shoulder support pads plays a crucial role in injury mitigation to the thorax in high-speed racing crashes.
Belwadi, AdityaMahi, SureshBegeman, Paul C.Melvin, JohnYang, King H.
This SAE standard applies to all forestry machines exposed to the hazard of objects penetrating the front of the operator station (other than the roof). This would include:
MTC4, Forestry and Logging Equipment
Occupant Injury in Rollover Crashes: A Reexamination of Malibu II2007-01-03694/16/2007
The original Malibu II study, conducted by Bahling et al, found that neck compression loading in rollover crashes is caused by the occupant moving toward the ground and therefore, roof crush was not causally related to the loading. Some have disputed this finding claiming that the occupant does not “dive toward the roof,” but rather, the roof “moves in” toward the occupant, and that roof deformation is the primary cause of cervical spine injuries in rollover crashes. The original study included a detailed analysis of film and force transducer data for 10 Potentially Injurious Impacts (PII's). This paper presents an independent analysis of these 10 PII's and one additional PII. This analysis uses the film and transducer data to evaluate the timing of roof deformation and neck loading, the magnitude of roof deformation at the time of peak neck load, and the motion of the vehicle and occupants in the inertial reference system. The data establish that the peak neck load occurs shortly after the roof-to-ground contact, and that there is 1.0-1.5 in. (2.5-4.0 cm) of roof crush at the time of peak neck load. This small magnitude of roof deformation occurs as the body of the vehicle moves toward the ground during the build-up of the neck load. The roof at the location of the dummy's head was found to be in contact with the ground at the time of peak neck load for nine of the PII's. When the roof at the location of the head was not in contact with the ground at the time of peak neck load, the loading was the result of the roof panel experiencing a change in velocity as a remote part of the rollcaged roof contacted the ground. Motion of the dummy and the roof in the inertial reference system establishes that the roof does not “move in” toward the occupant, but that the roof and the dummy's head both move toward the ground, that they stop when they contact the ground, and that the chassis of the vehicle and the torso of the dummy continue to move toward the ground, resulting in neck compression loads and roof crush. Therefore, no causal relationship exists between the vehicle deformation and the neck loading.
James, Michael B.Nordhagen, Ronald P.Schneider, Dennis C.Koh, Sung-Woo
Theoretical Analysis of a Method of Computing Dynamic Roof Crush During Rollovers2007-01-03664/16/2007
A method of computing dynamic roof crush in rollover accidents has been proposed (Bidez, et al., 2005; Cochran et al., 2005). The method used data obtained from accelerometers mounted to the roof rails of sport utility vehicles, along with other measurements, to compute the instantaneous deformation of the roof rails during dolly rollover crash tests. We examined the feasibility and practicality of this methodology in three ways. First, the theoretical derivation was examined. Errors appeared to have been made in deriving and/or interpreting the equations used to compute instantaneous roof crush. Next, a three-dimensional dynamic rollover simulation program was run to produce ideal acceleration data (Yamaguchi et al., 2006, 2005). Using these data, the equations in original, uncorrected form predicted dynamic roof deformations when none existed. When the equations were corrected, the simulation data yielded proper roof positions and no roof deformations. Finally, a dolly rollover test was conducted to generate real-world accelerometer data. The vehicle was heavily braced internally to avoid producing significant roof crush. Vibrational “noise” present in the real-world accelerometer data caused a large amount of calculational error in the dynamic roof crush calculations. Sensor positioning and angular alignment errors also may have contributed. These results indicate that the method of computing dynamic roof crush from accelerometer data is theoretically feasible when correct equations and ideal data are used, but is impractical using measured real world accelerometer and angular rate sensor data.
Yamaguchi, Gary T.Ashby, Blake M.Luepke, Peter A.Moore, Tara L.A.Bove, Robert T.Corrigan, Catherine Ford
An Off-Road Competition Hydraulic Vehicle2002-01-14503/19/2002
A 4-wheel drive off-road vehicle was designed and fabricated using extensive hydraulic technology for the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Mini-Baja competition. The vehicle incorporates an open hydrostatic transmission using a single pump and four independent drive motors. A constant power controller that maintains full engine power to drive the vehicle or stores excess energy in two accumulators controls the pump. Each of the drive motors is independently controlled using a proportional meter-out pressure control valve. The use of pressure control allows the flow to each of the motors to be proportioned based on the dynamics of the vehicle. A CAN bus controller is used in conjunction with a steering sensor to provide differential motor speed control in maneuvering conditions that insures 4-wheel drive availability at all times. Steering of the vehicle is achieved by articulating the chassis using a rotary actuator and multi-motion actuator controlled by the driver. Incorporating these features in the vehicle results in a very small turning radius relative to traditional competition vehicles. The use of the hydrostatic transmission allowed the engine to be moved to the front of the vehicle giving a better weight distribution and making the 4-wheel drive effective throughout the range of the competition. Storing the excess energy in accumulators provided a “power boost” capability beyond the fixed engine power level that could be used to accelerate out of turns or pass on straight-aways. The CAN bus controller allowed the car to be “tuned” to track conditions without the need for extensive hardware changes or modifications.
Labus, Thomas J.Wasielewski, Paul
NAIAS HIGHLIGHTS: CONCEPTSAUTOMAR01_063/1/2001
Since becoming an international event in 1989, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit has hosted 620 North American and worldwide vehicle introductions. This year's event was again a showcase for many new concept and production vehicle debuts. It takes 10 weeks to prepare Cobo Center in Detroit for the NAIAS media and public exposition, with more than 1500 carpenters, stagehands, electricians, Teamsters, riggers, and ironworkers employed full time (12-14 h days; some double shifts) until the job is done. On display are exhibits worth in excess of $200 million, including the latest concept and production vehicles that are the highlights of the event. Similar to last year, crossover concepts were in force with the Cadillac Vizon SUV/performance-wagon hybrid and GMC's transformable Terracross SUV, which is part pickup and part five-seat convertible. Some concepts employed highly innovative technology for safety (Volvo SCC) and body building (carbon-fiber Jeep Willys). Reconfigurable LCD instrument panels and clusters were also big news in this year's concepts, with the Cadillac Vizon and Oldsmobile O4 having them. Improved interior accessibility was a focus with the rear-hinged doors of the Buick Bengal, Oldsmobile O4, and Mazda RX-8. Concepts such as the Nissan Z, Dodge Super8 Hemi sedan, Ford 49, and Volkswagen Minibus combined styling cues or names from the past with present-day technology.
Development of the 2001 Pontiac Aztek Body Structure2000-01-13433/6/2000
This paper documents the development process of the 2001 Pontiac Aztek body structure for improved noise & vibration performance. Successful vehicle development under an accelerated timing schedule demands clearly defined body structure vibration performance targets and critical dependence on the math based modeling process. Specifications for global body structure vibration performance were generated through a two step process. First, a benchmarking activity was undertaken to comprehend competitive vehicle performance. Secondly, a frequency domain “mode map” was constructed to minimize vehicle subsystem interaction. Computer simulation models were developed to predict the body structure performance. A coarse full body structure model was used to define body structure section size and joint requirements. Detailed analysis models of body joint areas were used to synthesize the joint design. This process led the design efforts to minimizing body structure mass while optimizing vibration performance. A comprehensive measurement plan was executed to confirm the frequency performance of the body structure. Modal tests were performed at several points in the prototype body build process to confirm the analysis modeling efforts. The 2001 Pontiac Aztek body structure vibration performance is dramatically improved over that of the previous generation from which it was conceived. Increases in body structure stiffness of 47%, 40% and 89% are seen in the three lowest frequency global body structure modes.
Banner, TonyDeutschel, BrianHamilton, DaveJuras, Paul
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