DESIGN OF A DEFORMABLE VEHICLE ROOF STRUCTURE FOR ROLLOVER CRASH TESTING WITH A TEST BUCK

The goal of this study was to determine the detailed design of a greenhouse structure (roof and pillars), such that when it is loaded in a static roof crush test the force-displacement response mimics that of a modern full-size crossover vehicle. This study was carried out using finite element analysis with the goal of identifying a specific design to be fabricated for use with a rollover test buck in dynamic rollover crash testing. A multi-tiered design approach was used consisting first of a simple beam element model, followed by a more complex model meshed with shell and solid elements. A truss-like structure consisting of steel tubing for the pillars, headers and roof rails