Citation

Williams TD, de Pennington A, Barton DC, Coates J. Int. J. Crashworthiness 1999; 4(2): 147-158.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper describes the CAE predictions and verifications performed whilst investigating the response of a low volume, niche market spaceframed British sportscar to a standard frontal impact test. In considering the options for crashworthy design solutions, it was essential to understand and have confidence in the complex crash behaviour of the standard vehicle. A detailed knowledge of the construction and "real world" observations have led to the simulation of a complex and highly nonlinear response including rapidly changing contact surfaces and tyre compression. An experimental test programme supported the finite element predictions and included the impact testing of typical brazed tubular structures and an automotive wheel and tyre.