Analysis of 3+2 point seat belt configuration and occupant responses in rollover crash of a pick-up truck

Abstract

This thesis studies the effectiveness of 3+2 Point Seat Belt system in making the car environment safer. The new and enhanced 3+2 Point Belt has conventional 3 Point Belt and an additional shoulder Belt conveyed from other side of the occupant. This provides additional pulling force of occupant towards Seat which minimizes him/her moving freely and hitting inside the vehicle compartment when the vehicle makes a roll of 45° or more. It also restrains the occupant from ejecting out of the vehicle. The test simulates the Rollover situation with the occupant secured by 3+2 or 3 Point Seat Belts. The rollover situation on a Dolly structure is modeled using Mathematical Dynamical Model (MADYMO) code with the use of Easi-Crash CAE software tool. The test simulation is produced by giving required velocities and accelerations to the vehicle in accordance to Dolly Rollover (FMVSS 208). The results are then compared and analyzed to validate the effectiveness of 3+2 Point Seat Belt over 3 Point Seat Belt. The main areas of interest of this thesis are: (a) Analysis of Occupant’s responses (Kinematics) from the MADYMO simulation; (b) Evaluation of effectiveness of the restraint systems like 3+2 and 3 Point Seat Belts in attenuating the injuries incurred by occupants; (c) Evaluation of injury factors like Head Injury Criteria, Acceleration, Nij values, etc. Hybrid III 50 th percentile male dummy is used to study the occupant responses. The MADYMO results for the Dolly Rollover test is analyzed by comparing the injury parameter standards and specifications of NHTSA.