Title: A literature review of rollover test methodologies

Authors: Clifford C. Chou, Robert W. McCoy, Jialiang Le

Addresses: Passive Safety R&D, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company, Room 2621, MD2115, SRL, 2101 Village Road, Dearborn MI 48121, USA. ' Passive Safety R&D, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company, Room 2621, MD2115, SRL, 2101 Village Road, Dearborn MI 48121, USA. ' Passive Safety R&D, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company, Room 2621, MD2115, SRL, 2101 Village Road, Dearborn MI 48121, USA

Abstract: This paper presents a literature review of test methods that have been used to provide data for development of rollover occupant protection systems, including rollover sensor algorithms, test methodologies, and restraint-system performance. Test methods reviewed in this paper include SAE J2114, side curb trip, corkscrew ramp, critical sliding velocity, deceleration rollover sled, ditch/embankment, soil trip and various misuse tests. Historical development, procedure, application and the experience with these methods are discussed. Pros and cons of these test methodologies are summarised in relation to the rollover sensing algorithm and rollover occupant protection system development. Remarks related to test methodologies are made and issues pertaining to repeatability and dummy performance are discussed. Various component test methodologies are also reviewed and a newly developed component test device is presented. A brief review of CAE methodology and trends in test methods are also given.

Keywords: rollover sensor algorithms; side curb trip tests; corkscrew ramp tests; critical sliding velocity test; deceleration tests; rollover sled tests; ditch tests; embankment tests; soil trip tests; misuse tests; rollover crashes; occupant protection; occupant safety; vehicle safety; test methodology; component tests; CAE; literature review; car accidents.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVS.2005.007560

International Journal of Vehicle Safety, 2005 Vol.1 No.1/2/3, pp.200 - 237

Published online: 03 Aug 2005 *

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