Análisis de la seguridad pasiva de los vehículos de rally mediante ensayos de impacto virtuales

Abstract

The passive safety feature that has devolved in recent years is the safety cage. Its design, i.e., the configuration of multi-tubular structure, thickness, diameter and material are determined by FIA (Féderation Internationale de l´Automobile) regulations. This paper discusses if these requirements are adequate to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants in a crash. A mathematical model is put forward in order to perform analysis using the technique of nonlinear finite elements. Dynamic vehicle response is computer simulated with different safety structures installed under different accident conditions. A series of virtual impact tests are simulated using the explicit simulation software LS-DYNA. As it was found after analysis of the results, safety structures have performed well in rollover accidents, but they present a poor behaviour in the case of side impact. It would be necessary to review the rules and regulations, especially the sections related to protection of the doors and lateral intrusions.