Evaluation of a coach door under a frontal impact
International Journal of Structural Integrity
ISSN: 1757-9864
Article publication date: 24 October 2022
Issue publication date: 8 February 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The vehicle´s body front pillar should absorb most of the striker kinetic energy, while only a fraction of that is absorbed by the door structure. This study aims to discuss the aforementioned issue. In this test the striker is a virtual entity. Six uniaxial strain gauges are installed throughout the door. Additionally, contactless 3D digital image correlation (DIC) allows to assess the major door panel’s continuous deformation and strain fields.
Design/methodology/approach
A coach is a large and heavy long-distance passenger transport vehicle. Their structural certification, classifies coaches as M3 Class III vehicles. New coach structures’ designs need analyses of each sub-system for critical pre-validation of the entire structure, aiming driver and passenger carrier safety. Also, a thorough examination due to increased travel speed is needed.
Findings
Experimental pseudo-dynamic (PSD) results were compared and validated using finite element method (FEM) with two pieces of distinct FEM software (Abaqus® and PamCrash®). The time dependent solution was carried out by explicit techniques. Results by FEM and PSD test showed good agreement, evidencing the reliability of the tools selected. Results by PamCrash® were closer to the experimental data.
Practical implications
R-29 is truck-only regulation, however can be adapted to coaches in case of a frontal collision. The present work focuses on the impact behavior of the passenger front door subsystem.
Originality/value
As a first validation the entire structure, the behavior of a vehicle door, under in-plane impacts was studied. The corresponding deformation energy absorbed by the frontal passenger coach door under virtual impacts of a swinging striker was assessed using a PSD approach.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was developed in the scope of the project CRASH – Ref. POCI-01-0247-FEDER-039711, funded by “Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização”.
Citation
Lopes, R., Barros, F., Melo, F.Q.d., Ramos, N.V., Cunha, R., Maia, R., Rodrigues, R., Parente, M.P.L. and Moreira, P.M.G. (2023), "Evaluation of a coach door under a frontal impact", International Journal of Structural Integrity, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 2-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSI-04-2022-0053
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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