A Methodology to Evaluate the Design of Road Restraint Systems under Motorcyclists' Collisions, using Computer Simulations Applus IDIADA

Format:

Conference/Event

Author/Creator:

Palacio, Palacio, author.

Contributor:

Latorre, Xavier

Molina, René

Nombela, Mario

Conference Name:

SAE Brasil 2011 Congress and Exhibit (2011-10-04 : Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Warrendale, PA SAE International 2011

Summary:

A recent Spanish survey reveals that opposite to vehicle andpedestrian accidents, motorcycle fatalities have increased in thelast 7 years. One third of these correspond to collisions ofmotorcyclists against roadside guardrails. In response to thisserious safety demand, manufacturers and governments in Spain andFrance have started their own initiatives in both, launching smartroad restraint systems safer for vulnerable users, and developingnew protocols and regulations to evaluate the behavior of thesesystems against motorcyclist collisions.In order to provide support to roadside guardrails manufacturersto fulfill these regulations and develop friendly systems formotorcyclist, Applus IDIADA is carrying out a project to develop arobust methodology to create CAE simulation models that representthese impacts. This paper resumes the work done during the firstphase of this project, which consisted on correlate two impacttests performed at IDIADA testing facilities following Spanishregulation UNE 135900: "Post Centered Impact" and"Mid Span Centered Impact," both at 60 kph and followingan impact trajectory of 30° respect to the barrier. The barriertested and simulated had a deformable continuous system, to absorbimpact energy and redirect the rider on the road. A detailed modelof the barrier was developed using a commercial explicit CAE code,including fixings and correlated material properties. A Hybrid IIIdummy model was employed positioned leaning on its back, orientated30° respect to the barrier, and wearing a motorcycling helmet.Signals measured on the neck of the virtual dummy were comparedto those measured on real tests, and in most cases clearlyrepresented the same kinematics and dynamics of real dummy, duringthe first 30 ms of the impact, when the highest values werereached. Once a feasible virtual model of the test was defined,simulation allows modifying parameters that constitute the testlike dummy's speed, impact trajectory, or buildingcharacteristics of the barrier design, in order to evaluate thebarrier behavior under different impact conditions.As a conclusion, computer simulation has demonstrated to be apowerful tool that firstly represents with an acceptable rate ofaccuracy Spanish regulation UNE 135900 for motorcyclist impacttests. Secondly, it can be used to optimize the design of roadsidebarriers improving its building parameters, to reduce ridersinjuries on the head, neck and vertebrae, and with a considerableinvestment saving

Notes:

Vendor supplied data

Publisher Number:

2011-36-0037

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license