Design Methodology of Heavy Truck Front Underride Protection Devices (FUPD)

Abstract

The Objective of this study is to explain a new methodology in the design of heavy vehicle front underride protection devices (FUPD). This methodology is targeted generating optimal solutions in a cost-effective manner. In this research project non-linear finite element models were created using LS DYNA FEA package to perform crash simulations between a small car and the front of the truck at various levels, starting from component model level and ending with full tractor-semitrailer model level. Comparison between the crash simulation results with and without FUPD cases was performed to assess the adequacy of the design at every level of the study. Based on the results obtained an efficient and confident methodology for the evaluation of heavy truck FUPD designs is proposed. Furthermore, the proposed evaluation criteria are recommended to be the pioneering standard for FUPD performance evaluation.

Front underride protection device (FUPD) development: design strategy with simultaneous loading

“…The tractor portion of the colliding body is represented as Volvo VNL frame members constrained at positions aft of the axle. This component level simplification provides an effective and accurate alternative to evaluating FUPD performance in comparison with the computationally expensive full tractor-trailer finite element models [6]. The tractor frame height variation has been selected in two increments, measured from the ground to be in the 600-650 mm and 720-770 mm ranges as described by the tractor inventory survey performed by VC-Compat observing manufacturers such as Volvo and Mercedes-Benz [8].…”