Finite Element Modeling and Simulations of Tractor-Trailer Impacts on Highway Median Barriers

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Gutowski, M. (2017). Finite Element Modeling and Simulations of Tractor-Trailer Impacts on Highway Median Barriers. Unc Charlotte Electronic Theses And Dissertations.
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Abstract

Roadside safety hardware systems play a vital role in reducing both the number and severity of multi-vehicular collisions by preventing errant vehicles from traversing through an open median into oncoming traffic. The safety hardware used to prevent cross-median crashes are categorized into flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid barriers based on the allowable deflection and energy absorption of the barrier system. Various barrier systems exist in each category and are required to be evaluated using full-scale crash tests prior to installation approval. Although the majority of the barrier systems are only tested using small- and medium-sized passenger vehicles, impact scenarios involving heavy vehicles (i.e., tractor-trailers) should be investigated to further understand the performance limits of barrier systems and create a safer environment for all vehicles on the road. While full-scale crash tests are useful in understanding the post-impact behavior of a vehicle and a barrier system’s redirection capabilities, they are expensive to conduct and are limited by the number of crash scenarios that can be investigated efficiently and effectively. In this research, a finite element model of a full-scale tractor-trailer was improved, validated against full-scale crash test data, and used to simulate crash scenarios on flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid median barriers installed on flat and sloped terrain. The standardized impact conditions and evaluation criteria were utilized for these crash scenarios to assess the median barrier performance, the tractor-trailer post-impact behavior, and the occupant injury risk based on impact severity.

Details
Author

Gutowski, Matthew

Title

Finite Element Modeling and Simulations of Tractor-Trailer Impacts on Highway Median Barriers

Physical Description

1 online resource (251 pages) : PDF

Date

2017

Degree Granting Institution

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Abstract

Roadside safety hardware systems play a vital role in reducing both the number and severity of multi-vehicular collisions by preventing errant vehicles from traversing through an open median into oncoming traffic. The safety hardware used to prevent cross-median crashes are categorized into flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid barriers based on the allowable deflection and energy absorption of the barrier system. Various barrier systems exist in each category and are required to be evaluated using full-scale crash tests prior to installation approval. Although the majority of the barrier systems are only tested using small- and medium-sized passenger vehicles, impact scenarios involving heavy vehicles (i.e., tractor-trailers) should be investigated to further understand the performance limits of barrier systems and create a safer environment for all vehicles on the road. While full-scale crash tests are useful in understanding the post-impact behavior of a vehicle and a barrier system’s redirection capabilities, they are expensive to conduct and are limited by the number of crash scenarios that can be investigated efficiently and effectively. In this research, a finite element model of a full-scale tractor-trailer was improved, validated against full-scale crash test data, and used to simulate crash scenarios on flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid median barriers installed on flat and sloped terrain. The standardized impact conditions and evaluation criteria were utilized for these crash scenarios to assess the median barrier performance, the tractor-trailer post-impact behavior, and the occupant injury risk based on impact severity.

Genre

doctoral dissertations

Subjects--Topics

Mechanical engineering

Degree

Ph.D.

Keywords

Computational Mechanics
Crash Test Simulation
FE Analysis
FE Modeling
Median Barrier
Tractor-Trailer

Subject Area

Mechanical Engineering

Advisor(s)

Fang, Howie

Committee Members

Cherukuri, Harish
Smelser, Ronald
Weggel, David
Whalen, Matthew

Degree Note

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2017.

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Rights Holder Information

Copyright is held by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Identifier

Gutowski_uncc_0694D_11534

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13093/etd:1642