Comprehensive computational rollover sensitivity study, Part 1: influence of vehicle pre-crash parameters on crash kinematics and roof crush

Abstract

In 2008, fatalities resulting from vehicle rollover events accounted for over one third of all fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes. This study describes the initial phase of a detailed computational study aimed at developing causal relationships between crash, occupant, and vehicle parameters and injury outcome using state-of-the-art computational methods. This initial phase examines the sensitivity of vehicle kinematics and structural deformation by isolating the roof-to-ground interaction phase of the rollover event using an LS-DYNA finite element full-vehicle model. Structural deformation is quantified by a measure of the maximum roof intrusion into the occupant space (average = 44 cm, range = 9–66 cm). Roll angle, pitch angle and drop height have a significant effect on structural deformation, while roll rate and yaw angle do not show significant effects. Drop height alone accounts for 70% of the variability in peak roof crush and vertical acceleration, metrics that are related to causal mechanisms for injury.