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This technical paper presents the results of full scale vehicle testing completed to examine deceleration on late model tractor semitrailer vehicles equipped with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) engine brakes. Testing consisted of measuring vehicle deceleration through a test section with the engine brake function both active and inactive. Also, rolling resistance measurements were taken to aid in the subject research project and also augment the body of available heavy truck deceleration data. Additionally, a comparison of the measured deceleration data to calculated values based on OEM supplied engine brake performance curves was completed. Results of the testing and research project indicate that theoretically calculated engine brake deceleration can be added to vehicle drive train resistance to arrive at an estimate of total vehicle deceleration.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the use of a pendulum as a repeatable method for impact testing vehicle subsystems and components. Tests on three different vehicle subsystems are presented as examples of impact testing that has been performed using a pendulum. Impact testing on two different roll bar designs to compare effectiveness, impact testing on various van side cargo doors to compare door latch integrity, and impact testing on various fuel tanks to compare the integrity of the fuel tank with and without shields installed. These tests were not intended to replicate the forces, energy, or impact pulse on the vehicle in the actual collision but rather evaluate how the vehicle subsystem reacted to impacts that were similar to that which occurred in the collision.

The evaluation of a rollover accident requires the assessment of a large amount of information in order to completely analyze the accident and determine the vehicle dynamics throughout its roll sequence. This information includes the physical evidence available through examination of the accident site, the vehicle and any photographs or documentation of the accident scene. Many times there is a lack of scene data available complicating a thorough evaluation of the vehicle path and roll distance during the rollover. Inspection of the vehicle reveals the minimum number of rolls the vehicle experienced during the rollover event, leaving the roll distance traveled as one of the many unknown variables. This paper compares the roll distance, roll speed and number of rolls for dolly testing and real world rollovers. An evaluation of the roll distance and number of rolls for passenger cars, light trucks and sport utility vehicles is compiled and compared to one another.