A high-speed rear-end collision experiment was conducted, using a backup fire-ignition device to create a postcrash fire. The experiment was a 55-mph rear-end collision between two 1967 ford 4-door sedans. All dummy occupants in the car had restraining devices. Several actual collisions were also studied that had been followed by fire. Experimental results show that fuel tanks that are less likely to rupture and are isolated from both direct impact and the vehicle occupants would help to reduce the possibility of postcrash fires. Specific suggestions for making cars that are less likely to be involved in a devastating fire, following a crash, are: (1) reduce the likelihood of fuel tank rupture by putting the tank where there is the least possibility of structural collapse, (2) fuel tanks must be designed specifically to resist rupture during impact, (3) filler spouts must be designed so as not to become detached during impact, (4) a heavy-gage metal fire wall welded to the passenger compartment so as to separate it from the fuel tank is a necessity, and (5) heat-resistant removable plugs should be used in place of flammable plastic plugs.
Abstract