Investigation of a series of relevant phenomena for modelling the full-scale crash test of a small vehicle with a guardrail system

Abstract

Computer simulations have become a common tool in roadside safety to predict the kinematics and dynamics of a vehicle impacting against restraint systems before full-scale crash tests are performed. Given the typical large size of the full-scale hardware, to maintain feasible simulation periods, vehicle models have to be limited to the relevant physical phenomena necessary to properly reproduce the reality under investigation. Hence, an accurate identification of these phenomena is crucial. This paper identified a series of physical phenomena not previously investigated, which have been found to play a relevant role for successfully modelling an impact between a small vehicle and a guardrail system. An analysis of the specific role for each of the investigated phenomenon is provided along with conclusions about which phenomena are necessary to model in order to properly simulate a full-scale crash test against a guardrail system. Indications for future investigation are suggested as well.