Heavy Vehicle Infrastructure Asset Interaction and Collision September 2005

The main objectives of this research task were to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the single-unit truck (SUT) finite element model with respect to its ability to accurately simulate its interaction with roadside safety hardware and to identify areas of possible improvements. The model's primary purpose is to be used as a " bullet " object for computational evaluation of roadside safety hardware. and NCAC was initiated to update and enhance the kinematic and structural accuracy of NCAC's Ford F800 single-unit truck FE model. This report outlines the methodology used in evaluating, validating against experimental data and updating the FE model. A new Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)-based documentation has been developed to facilitate the model adoption and understanding of prospective users. The overall methodology used by the participants-from evaluation to validation to documentation-is outlined in this report and can be applied to other basic vehicle FE models currently available in public domain. The goal of the project was also to establish a methodology for validation and verification of the finite element models used in roadside hardware analysis so that it could be applied to other vehicle finite element models currently under development. Test Correlations Model analyses and comparison between simulations and test results led to recommendations for the SUT model modifications that were implemented by the original developers of the model, National Crash Analysis Center (NCAC) and participants in this project, Battelle, Oak Ridge This website documents the model and allows the user to visualize the main components of the model, including mechanical and material properties, detailed information regarding connections between components, and detailed contact information used in defining interaction between the various parts. The goal of the interactive 3D environment is to make the model more accessible to end users and facilitate transfer of the developed models and technologies to end users. A " paper " document User's Manual (derived from the Web-based User's manual) is also being provided as a " hardcopy " reference for convenience, and as a deliverable under our original contract. ABSTRACT This document reports the results of an evaluation of the Ford F800 single-unit truck (SUT) Heavy Vehicle Finite Element (FE) Model, and the subsequent improvements and enhancements made to that FE Model. The SUT model was developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the National Crash Analysis Center (NCAC) as a bullet vehicle for modeling heavy vehicle interactions with roadside hardware. The …