In this paper, a mathematical model is presented in order to evaluate the force-deformation characteristics of car structures in 0 degree frontal crashes using a dynamometric barrier. The method correlates the crash force with the car mass variation and the deceleration curve. Essentially, the model divides the crash pulse into two different parts: the first one (approximately the progressive deformation of the front structure) from 0-time to the beginning of the passenger compartment deformation; the second one (approximately the progressive deformation of the compartment itself) from the beginning of the passenger compartment deformation to the maximum deformation of the car. Experimental data sample allows Experimental data sample allows to find, using a multi-linear regression analysis, a statistical correlation between car masses and average mass variation. Extension of this method to off-set, angular or full 0 degree frontal crashes without using a dynamometric barrier is also discussed. (A)
Samenvatting