Discussion on Whether Current Test Methods Widen Disparity Between
Large and Small Vehicles Planned at SAE 2003 World Congress
WARRENDALE, Pa., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Fixed-barrier frontal crash
tests, such as those used by the federal government and an insurance industry-
sponsored organization, may need to be re-evaluated because they could be
making large and small vehicles less compatible in crashes. Attendees at the
Society of Automotive Engineers' hallmark event will have a chance to hear a
presentation from engineers who will present this case.
In a technical paper to be presented during the SAE 2003 World Congress
(March 3 - 6, Cobo Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA) authors Mukul Verma,
Principle Engineer, Robert Lange, Executive Director of Safety Structure and
Integration and Joseph Lavelle, Senior Engineer of General Motors will discuss
whether crash test regulations as well as non-regulatory procedures need to be
revisited. Their research shows that fixed-barrier tests (in which a vehicle
is crashed into a stationary object such as a wall) have led to larger
vehicles with stiffer, or stronger, front ends with higher force levels.
While these vehicles score higher on the tests, the tests themselves may have
the unintended effect of widening the disparity between large and small
vehicles.
"In researching the subject, we considered various vehicle characteristics
and the potential to address the balance of self- and partner-protection in a
fleet of large and small vehicles," said Lange. As one of the influencing
factors, they examined the effects of certain vehicle level test conditions on
vehicle structure and collision compatibility. The authors will discuss
whether these test procedures could be revisited to perhaps bring more real-
world relevance to the tests and to improve collision compatibility.
"GM is currently participating in an industry-wide effort to address
collisions between smaller and larger vehicles, including light truck-based
vehicles," Lange said. "One group is studying frontal collisions and another
is focusing on side impacts. The groups are expected to issue recommendations
before summer."
Presentation of "Relationship of Crash Test Procedures to Vehicle
Compatibility" (SAE paper 2003-01-0900), will take place Wednesday, March 5 at
1:00 p.m. in room W2-67 at Cobo Center.
SAE World Congress, the world's largest showcase of automotive engineering
technologies, attracts attendees from more than 40 countries. This year's
host is DaimlerChrysler. Also new to the SAE 2003 World Congress:
DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors will hold corporate meetings during
the SAE World Congress, followed by VIP tours of the SAE 2003 exhibit floor.
To attend the SAE 2003 World Congress event, visit http://www.sae.org or call
1-877-SAE-CONG (723-2664); outside the U.S. and Canada, call 1-724-772-4027.
SAE is a non-profit engineering and scientific organization dedicated to
the advancement of mobility technology to better serve humanity. Nearly
84,000 engineers and scientists who are SAE members develop technical
information on all forms of self-propelled vehicles, including automobiles,
aircraft, aerospace craft, trucks, buses, marine, rail and transit machinery.
This information is disseminated through SAE meetings, books, electronic
products and databases, technical papers, standards, reports, and professional
development programs.
SOURCE Society of Automotive Engineers
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Related links:
http://www.sae.org
CONTACT:
Keith Hancock, SAE, +1-724-772-8516,
khancock@sae.org
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