AUTOMOBILE BARRIER AND REAR-END COLLISION PERFORMANCE

An analysis of relative collision characteristics of unit-body and frame-type construction was made for the 25 mph auto to fixed barrier collision* and for the 10 and 23 mph rear-end collisions. Human and anthropometric dummy subjects were instrumented for evaluation of force and related injury causative factors occurring during these five collisions involving new cars. Vehicle and occupant deceleration-acceleration patterns, vehicle collision performances, vehicle deformation comparisons, evaluation of car interior design and experimental motorist protective devices, as well as cost to repair damaged vehicles are presented. Until better means are found, experimental automobile collisions are necessary to procure data which define the relative collision performances of automobiles and occupants for the separate frame-and-body construction and for frame-in-body (unitized) construction. Such information is considered to be of value to automobile designers as is evidenced by the fact that this research was financially supported by American Motors Corporation. The first section of the paper concerns collision experiments with a fixed barrier. Barrier collision experiments provide a highly suitable means for comparative analyses of front-end structure collision performance because the uncontrollable variables common to opposing vehicle or random fixed structure are eliminated. The second section presents three experimentally conducted rear-end collisions (car to car type impact) which have provided further evaluation of the injury producing forces attending this type impact and the car interior design revisions that will reduce the hazard of the rear-end collision. Anthropometric dummies were used in all collisions to provide a basis for evaluating the effects that differences in automobile collision performance may have on the motorist. The striking car for all three rear-end collisions was driven by an operator wearing appropriate restraining harnesses.