Search Results

Research programs conducted at Calspan to improve structural crashworthiness of subcompact cars are described. In two separate but related investigations, front structural designs intended to improve crash energy management were developed and adapted to a Datsun 510 and Chevrolet Vega. The prototype structure developed for the Datsun 510 was nominally consistent with present production manufacturing techniques and did not interfere with normal packaging requirements. This prototype design was evaluated through a series of 50 MPH (80 km/hr) flat barrier tests. Excellent passenger compartment integrity and crash energy management was demonstrated for this prototype automobile. The structural system developed for the Chevrolet Vega was similar in concept to that of the Datsun; but manufacturing requirements were relaxed in this effort.