A numerical study on thickness of rear under-ride protection in case pick-up to semi-trailer full rear impact

Abstract

In the global supply chain, large trucks, tractors, and semitrailers are essential as the final step in this complex network. However, they have many potential dangers because the gaps from the semi-trailer's floor to the road surface are high, so small cars easily get underride. To solve this issue, some regulations have required the installation of additional protection devices on the front, sides, and rear where these gaps exist, for example, FMVSS 223, 224 of the US, or UNECE R58 of Europe. Using LS-DYNA software and trailer and pick-up models from proven sources to set up a collision simulation, then proceed to change the thickness of the rear underride protection device to assess the effect. The collision was designed with 55.8 km/h of pick-up and a stationary trailer. The effect of change thickness on axial displacement and energy changes is presented. The study results are expected to be helpful for the structural design and safety assessment of various structures including marine vehicles and cars against collisions. Keywords: Rear under-ride, protection device, design, truck, semi-trailer