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This paper presents the results of five additional instrumented snowmobile crash tests and the updated findings when combined with the dataset from our previous publication (SAE# 2021-01-0876). This additional work expands on, and aims to better the understanding of, snowmobile collision dynamics and the severity of real-world collisions, given that minimal crash test data exists for snowmobiles compared to passenger vehicles. In the five new tests, the test snowmobile was accelerated forward into a pole, made from a tree trunk 38 cm in diameter. The first two pole impacts were completed at low-speed (i.e., less than 15 km/h) to determine a damage threshold. The subsequent two tests targeted 40 km/h impact speeds, and the last test targeted an impact speed of 80 km/h.

Instrumented crash tests are a valuable source of information for collision reconstruction, as the collected data allows for a better understanding of the dynamics and severity of real-world collisions. Numerous published crash tests exist for automobiles, motorcycles, and heavy vehicles; however, none of the published crash testing has involved snowmobiles. This paper presents the results of six snowmobile crash tests to begin to fill the gap in the literature. In five tests, the test snowmobile was accelerated forward into a pole, made from a tree trunk 33 cm in diameter. In the last test, two snowmobiles collided head-on into each other. Prior to testing, each snowmobile was weighed and scanned using a Faro 3D scanner. All of the snowmobiles were instrumented to collect speed and acceleration data during the tests. Each snowmobile was scanned after the test, which allowed for measurements of the extent of crush from impact.

As with other motor vehicles, snowmobile operators are occasionally presented with potential hazards that require a response to avoid an impending collision. The typical responses involve either braking, steering, or a combination of both. Although the braking deceleration capabilities of snowmobiles have been documented in several published studies, there is a lack of available data regarding the swerving capability of snowmobiles. In addition, it is unknown if the presence of a passenger on a snowmobile negatively affects its swerving capabilities, and if so, to what extent. This paper presents data gathered during swerve testing conducted on an instrumented snowmobile in northern Ontario with two different operators, and with one and two occupants.

Collision reconstruction often involves calculations and computer simulations, which require an estimation of the weights of the involved vehicles. Although weight data is readily available for automobiles and light trucks, there is limited data for heavy vehicles, such as tractor-semitrailers, straight trucks, and the wide variety of trailers and combinations that may be encountered on North American roads. Although manufacturers always provide the gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) for these vehicles, tare weights are often more difficult to find, and in-service loading levels are often unknown. The resulting large uncertainty in the weight of a given truck can often affect reconstruction results. In Canada, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario conducted a Commercial Vehicle Survey in 2012 that consisted of weight sampling over 45,000 heavy vehicles of various configurations.