Analytical Evaluation of the Passenger Safety of the Korean Light Tactical Vehicle in Accordance with ECE R 66 and ECE R 29

Abstract

The Korean light tactical vehicle (KLTV) is a vehicle with enhanced mobility, versatility, and survivability, in comparison with conventional vehicles. The KLTV is classified as a special vehicle, so there is no standard to evaluate its passenger safety. Therefore, ECE R 66 (rollover test) and ECE R 29 (roof strength test) regulations are selected as criteria for evaluating the passenger safety during rollover. According to the two ECE regulations, finite element (FE) analysis and the evaluation method for examining the safety of passenger and passenger during the rollover of the KLTV are presented. The trimmed body model of the KLTV is constructed using its design data, and five subsystems conforming to test conditions of ECE R 66 and ECE R 29 are modeled. Based on the FE models, rollover analysis and roof strength analysis of the KLTV are carried out. Then, body deformations of the KLTV and the residual margin of the survival space of each passenger are examined. It is found that the body of the KLTV has sufficient rigidity to guarantee the survival spaces of all passengers. This study can provide basic data for securing the passenger safety of a tactical vehicle in the event of rollover.