Abstract
The mathematical model is based in the solution of the equations of motion for an idealized support struck by an idealized vehicle. The support is simulated as a system of discrete elements representing the post and sign background. The vehicle is assumed to a rigid mass with springs representing its crush characteristics. Provisions are made for simulating the response of a passenger. The model is correlated with data measured in two full-scale crash tests. The comparisons indicate the validity of the formulation. A parameter study is conducted to show the trends in post and vehicle response. Design criteria, based on the results of the parameter study, are presented.