In this paper, a basic test specification is proposed to assess the structural integrity of a canopy that covers the load-area of a light commercial vehicle (LCV) used to carry passengers in the rear. The proposed test specification is a first step towards improving the safety of these passengers during rollover accidents. Different test methods were evaluated for applicability, ease of use and financial implications. The mass and geometric characteristics of three different one-ton LCVs were experimentally obtained and used to determine the minimum lateral velocity that will result in a rollover should a tripping mechanism be encountered. These velocities, in conjunction with other published data, were used to determine the energy required for a pendulum qualification test. It was decided that 7.7 kJ of energy delivered by a pendulum travelling between 4 and 7 m/s just prior to impact would be the most representative load case. A finite element analysis (FEA) of the proposed impact test on a specimen canopy was completed. Thereafter, the actual pendulum impact test was conducted to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed lest procedure as well as the correlation with the FEA. It was shown that both FEA and actual testing are viable qualification procedures and that they can in fact be used to reliably assess the strength of the canopy. Finally, the outline of a test specification was developed and proposed, which can be used by national regulatory institutions to assess the structural integrity of commercially manufactured canopies. (Author/publisher).
Samenvatting