DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A STRUCTURAL CRASHWORTHINESS SYSTEM FOR A STANDARD SIZE AUTOMOBILE

The objective of the study was to develop two pre-prototype vehicles which would provide improved structural performance during front, side, rear and rollover collisions. Various subsystems were extensively investigated; these included the frame, passenger compartment structure, door beams, glass and padding. Structural modifications were incorporated into two 1973 standard size Ford sedans which represented the pre-prototype vehicles. These vehicles were subjected to handling and crash testing. The crash tests were planned so that front, side and rear impact data were obtained. The vehicle performance generally met the requirements as stated. Excellent performance was obtained during lateral collisions, where dummy results were within accepted limits during 30 MPH moving barrier collisions. The total structural modification resulted in a net weight increase slightly less than ten percent of the base vehicle (1973 Ford) curb weight.