Scale-model evaluation of frictional effects and redirection mechanism for angle barrier impacts. Paper presented at the 54th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), Washington, January 1975.

The effects of friction at the car-barrier interface in angular collisions have been investigated by using a 1/24 scale model. Results demonstrate that interface friction can have a great effect on both vehicle trajectory and predicted damage to car and barrier. Friction thresholds for successful redirection are related to vehicle and barrier stiffness, impact angle, and impact speed, but low-friction values show promise of improving accidental barrier impacts at all speeds and angles tested.