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A series of tests were conducted utilizing a tire test machine built to measure forces during a tire tread separation event. Tires were prepared by cutting between the two steel belts inward from the shoulder area. Cuts were varied in size and location to generate different types of tread separation events (ex: long, short, partial, inboard, and outboard). The tests document the longitudinal and lateral forces generated while the tread is detaching during different types of tread separation events. The results demonstrate that magnitude and duration of forces depend upon the nature of the tread separation event. Additional documentation includes high speed and real time video of the tread separation events to provide insights into tread detachment modes and mechanisms of measured force response.

The height of a vehicle's center-of-gravity (CG) is one factor that influences its handling characteristics. A number of height methods are used to measure CG within the automotive industry. This research determined which method has the greatest potential to produce accurate CG height measurements, given anticipated measurement tolerances. Several techniques for measuring vehicle CG height were analyzed mathematically. The contributions of various parameters to total error were determined and the total error inherent in each method was then compared.

A controlled experimental program was conducted to determine the response of humans and a human surrogate with experimental lap belt restraints in -Gz acceleration environments. In the program, lap belt anchorage position (belt angle) and belt tension/slack were varied. Human volunteers were subjected to a static -1.0 Gz acceleration for each restraint configuration. A 95th percentile male Hybrid Ill dummy was subjected to a nominal 4.25 m/s (9.5 mph), -5 Gz impact while restrained by each restraint configuration. For the -Gz acceleration, significant changes in occupant head excursion were observed with varied lap belt configurations. In general, less pre-crash belt slack and higher lap belt angles produced significant reductions in occupant vertical excursions. This research provides data for use in evaluating or developing occupant survivability systems for rollover crash environments.

Using analysis of a mini-van test vehicle’s static load conditions as a guide, four different vehicle loading situation were constructed. The loading situations represent the corners of the vehicle’s center of gravity position envelope. For the testing described in this paper a single vehicle under conditions of varied load was subjected to a series of test maneuvers designed to elicit objective measure and comparison of vehicle steady-state and transient response. The purpose of this paper is to describe the test method and present the results of handling testing and limit stability testing of a 1991 Ford Aerostar mini-van/extended van under four different loading conditions. Differences observed in the plotted results of vehicle steady state response for different load condition are detectable, but small. The test results demonstrate differences in vehicle transient response for different loading configuration.

To date, the flammability of common automotive fluids under real-world conditions has not been well characterized for general use in the automotive community. This paper presents the results of a research program aimed at providing a greater understanding of the potential fire hazards of common fluids carried on board today's vehicles. A literature review was conducted to define the ignition properties of common automotive fluids as determined very precisely in the lab environment. A test program was then established to gain insight into the ignition properties of common automotive fluids under some real-world conditions. Automotive engine and exhaust components were used to create a test mechanism which realistically represented the environment, temperatures, and surfaces to which vehicle fluids may be subjected The reported laboratory results are compared to the test data. Tests were conducted on twelve fluids with and without ignition sources present.