The objective of the study is to explain the new design principles for the design of heavy vehicle front underride protection devices (FUPD) using collated reviewed and related information on FUPD from worldwide studies. These new principles allow for more accurate solutions in less time and utilising fewer resources. In addition, new non-linear finite element models are created using the LSDYNA finite element analysis (FEA) package to perform crash simulations between a small car and the front of a truck with and without front underride protection device (FUPD). Simulations were conducted starting from a component-based level and ending with full tractor-semitrailer model. The adequacy of the FUPD design is based on the comparison of the crash simulation results with FUPD versus without FUPD. The simulation results in an assured and efficient set of principles for the assessment of heavy truck FUPD designs. A new FUPD performance evaluation standard is recommended. (Author/publisher)
Abstract