Title: A comprehensive review of front underride protection device design and evaluation

Authors: Todd MacDonald; Moustafa El-Gindy; Srikanth Ghantae; David Critchley; Sarathy Ramachandra

Addresses: University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, 2000 Simcoe Street N, ON L1K 7K4, Canada ' University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, 2000 Simcoe Street N, ON L1K 7K4, Canada ' Volvo Group Trucks Technology, Cab Engineering, 7900 National Service Rd, CC/1-36, Greensboro, NC 27409, USA ' Volvo Group Trucks Technology, Cab Engineering, 7900 National Service Rd, CC/1-36, Greensboro, NC 27409, USA ' Volvo Group Trucks Technology, Cab Engineering, 7900 National Service Rd, CC/1-36, Greensboro, NC 27409, USA

Abstract: The purpose of this work is to provide a foundation concerning recent and relevant literature relating to the design and evaluation of front underride protection devices (FUPDs). Current international regulations are discussed, as well as imposed designs as a result of regulation. A number of theoretical works are also objectively scanned to provide an overview of improvement possibilities investigated by others. Suggestions for testing and performance evaluation based on NCHRP standards are analysed for FUPD application significance.

Keywords: front underride protection devices; FUPDs; heavy trucks; highway safety; tractor-trailer; frontal crash; energy absorption; heavy vehicles; FUPD design; FUPD evaluation; international regulations; vehicle safety.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2013.056038

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2013 Vol.8 No.3, pp.282 - 294

Received: 21 Sep 2012
Accepted: 24 Jan 2013

Published online: 19 Jul 2014 *

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