Front underride protection devices: methods for design and testing

Improvements to highway safety are in continual demand. One of the most severe instances of vehicle collision occurs as a result of vehicle weight and sizing mismatch. The fitment of Front Underride Protection Devices (FUPDs) upon tractor-trailers is studied as a method to improve crash compatibility between passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers involved in head-on highway crashes. While some countries require the use of FUPDs, no such regulation exists in North America. North America‟s use of Conventional Tractors also presents a variation to Cab-over Engine Tractors popular in Europe. The distinction presents variations to FUPD design boundary conditions. A three tier design strategy is proposed and implemented in an effort to guide development of FUPDs for improved performance and robustness. Extensive testing is undertaken in establishing guidelines for further development and testing of Front Underride Protection Devices.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Automotive Engineering

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• MacDonald, Todd

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• El-Gindy, Moustafa

• FUPD
• Crashworthiness
• Structural optimization
• Heavy vehicle compatibility

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/413

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/413