Accession Number:

ADA090796

Title:

Three-Dimensional Response of an Automobile to a Generalized Impulse

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesi

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH

Personal Author(s):

• Betz, John Frederick

Report Date:

1979-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

115.0

Abstract:

Roadside design standards have not kept pace with the recent up-swing of compact and subcompact vehicle traffic on the highways. Written when the predominant vehicle size was larger than the present trends, these standards require examination in light of the smaller, lighter vehicles. By modifying the highway-vehicle-object simulation model HVOSM, a three-dimensional computer simulation of signpost impacts is available as a tool to evaluate the standards. In the course of this thesis, validation of the modified HVOSM was completed to prove the reliability of the program in simulating real collisions then, the parameter studies were carried out. Signpost models meeting the upper limits of the AASHTO standards were prepared. The two models represented the major signpost installation methods a breakaway signpost connected to a base at ground level, and a base-bending signpost placed directly into the ground. Then, large, medium, compact and subcompact vehicle impacts with the signpost models were simulated using the modified HVOSM.

Descriptors:

• *AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLES
• *HIGHWAYS
• *IMPACT SHOCK
• *PUBLIC SAFETY
• ACCELERATION
• COMPUTER PROGRAMS
• COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
• GRAPHS
• IMPACT TESTS
• INPUT OUTPUT PROCESSING
• REDUCTION
• SAFETY EQUIPMENT
• SIZES(DIMENSIONS)
• STANDARDS
• THESES
• THREE DIMENSIONAL

Subject Categories:

• Computer Programming and Software
• Surface Transportation and Equipment
• Safety Engineering

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE