Abstract
This paper focuses on minimising child injuries experienced during frontal vehicle-to-pole collisions by improving on the safety and energy absorption of existing traffic pole structures. A finite element computer model, using LS-DYNA software, is used to simulate crash events in order to determine the influence of pole structural and material characteristics on the injury parameters of a three-year-old child dummy occupant. Five different pole support systems and laminar traffic poles of different materials are investigated in this paper. It is concluded that the anchored base support system provides desirable crashworthy results, thus reducing fatalities and injuries resulting from vehicle impact. It is also recommended to mandate traffic protection devices in all areas with poor energy absorbing characteristics that resemble non-deformable objects.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 37 |
| Journal | International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | 25 Feb 2013 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 6 Mar 2013 |
Keywords
- injury criteria
- Child occupant
- Crashworthiness
- Finite element analysis
- Luminaire support
- Numerical simulations
- Vehicle-pole collision
