Computer Simulations of Roadside Crash Cushion Impacts
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 123, Issue 5
Abstract
This paper presents the results of finite element computer simulations of vehicular impacts with a roadside crash cushion. DYNA3D is used to model the energy-dissipating response of the Narrow Connecticut Impact Attenuation System under high-speed impacts with heavy and light vehicles. The finite element predictions are compared with the experimental results of full-scale crash tests involving automobiles impacting the device at 97 km/h. It is demonstrated that computer simulations can effectively model the dynamic response of a crash event and provide valuable measures of occupant risk. Computer simulations allow the investigation of crash scenarios involving nontracking, braking, and turning vehicles. Such full-scale crash events are very difficult to conduct in the field. It is recommended that these simulation tools be used more extensively in the design of roadside safety features so that the number of expensive full-scale crash tests required to develop future hardware can be minimized.
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References
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Carney, J. F. III (1989). “The Connecticut narrow hazard crash cushion.”Transp. Res. Record 1233, Transp. Res. Board, Washington, D.C., 43–50.
2.
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Ross, H. E., Sicking, D. L., Zimmer, R. A., and Michie, J. D. (1993). “Recommended procedures for the safety performance evaluation of highway features.”Nat. Cooperative Hwy. Res. Program Rep. 350, NCHRP, Washington, D.C.
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Transportation Research Board Committee A2A04. (1978). “Recommended procedures for vehicle crash testing of highway appurtenances.”Transp. Res. Circular No. 191, Transp. Res. Board, Washington, D.C.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering
Volume 123 • Issue 5 • September 1997
Pages: 370 - 376
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Sep 1, 1997
Published in print: Sep 1997
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