Tractor-Trailer Rollover Crash Test

James Chinni; Michael Miller; Norman Taylor; Shu Yang

doi:10.4271/2007-01-4254

2007-10-30

Tractor-Trailer Rollover Crash Test 2007-01-4254

A tractor-trailer combination unit was driven by remote control and overturned onto its driver's side during an overcorrecting maneuver at 40mph. The purpose of this tractor-trailer rollover test was to gain insight into the vehicle dynamics of a rollover and assess occupant protection during such an event.

IMMI personnel first modeled the rollover using TruckSim software to predict the overturning maneuver path, required speed and location of ballast within the trailer. Simulation also enabled proper positioning of cameras and instrumentation to capture the event. Triaxial accelerometers and Dynamic Measurement Units (DMU's) recorded six degrees of freedom to characterize tractor and trailer vehicle dynamics.

The driver and passenger seats in the tractor were equipped with the LifeGuard Technologies RollTek system, which includes a roll sensor, seat and seat belt pretensioning systems and side rollover airbags. Hybrid III 50^th percentile anthropomorphic test devices (ATD's) were positioned and belted in each seat to help define occupant kinematics and potential injury criterion.

RollTek protected both occupants throughout the test, limiting occupant excursion and cushioning contact with interior surfaces. Recorded injury criteria were minimal, suggesting favorable results for RollTek protected occupants in this type of rollover event.

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Tractor-Trailer Rollover Crash Test 2007-01-4254

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