High speed crash barrier investigation using simulation

John D. Reid, Ronald K. Faller, Dean L. Sicking

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Auto racing has become one of the most popular sporting venues in the United States. Forthese events, vehicles typically travel around oval tracks at extremely high speeds, in somecases in excess of 365 km/h. At these higher speeds, these vehicles may be involved in multicar collisions or impacts with the exterior rigid walls, potentially resulting in serious driverinjuries or fatalities. Although infrequent, serious harm has also occurred to spectators asflying vehicle debris has passed over protective fencing. As a result of these accidents,researchers at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, in cooperation with the Indy RacingLeague, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Kestrel Advisors, Inc., have been investigating anddeveloping several energy-absorbing barrier concepts that wouldprovide increasedtrack safety.Two concepts - one using HDPE plates and one using crushable foam - are described herein.Preliminary results from the computer simulation effort show great potential for increasing thesafety of race track barriers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCrashworthiness, Occupant Protection and Biomechanics in Transportation Systems
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Pages111-127
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9780791819333
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000
EventASME 2000 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2000 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Nov 5 2000Nov 10 2000

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
Volume2000-L

Conference

ConferenceASME 2000 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2000
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period11/5/0011/10/00

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering

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