Feasible Steps towards Improved Crash Compatibility

Compatibility has been a research issue for many years now. It has gained more importance recently due to significant improvements in primary and secondary safety. Using a rigorous approach, combining accident research and theoretical scientific considerations, measures to improve vehicle-vehicle compatibility, with an emphasis on feasibility, were discussed. German accident research statistics showed that frontal impacts are of higher statistical significance than side impacts. Based on this and the high potential for improvement due high available deformation energy, the frontal impact configuration was identified as the most appropriate collision mode for addressing the compatibility issue. In side impacts, accident avoidance was identified as the most feasible and sensible measure. For frontal vehicle-vehicle impacts, both trucks and passenger cars were identified as opponents of high statistical significance. Based on the bulkhead concept, a theoretical range of survivable collision velocities for both impact configurations was calculated and the limitations discussed. A pre-requisite in each case was structural interaction. Structural interaction was identified as necessary between all collision partners including car - truck. This means the addition of adequate under-run protection devices. To evaluate compatibility, several test procedures have been proposed. The limitations of each were discussed, with a particular focus on the ability of each test to assess structural interaction potential. Finally, feasible steps towards achieving compatibility were discussed and illustrated in a Roadmap for Compatibility.