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Building upon prior research, this paper compares computer simulations to a previously conducted rollover crash test of a tractor-semitrailer. The effects of torsional stiffness were elucidated during the correlation of simulations to the rollover test. A commercially available vehicle dynamics and reconstruction software was used for the simulation. Unique aspects of the rollover crash test were modeled in the simulation. A tractor-semitrailer quarter-turn rollover crash test conducted by IMMI was reconstructed using impact and vehicle dynamics models within the simulation software HVE (Human, Vehicle & Environment). The SIMON (SImulation MOdel Non-linear) module and the DyMESH (Dynamic MEchanical SHell) module within HVE were used. During the IMMI test, onboard instrumentation recorded acceleration and roll rate data in six degrees of freedom to characterize both tractor and semitrailer dynamics before and during the rollover event.

Although, the implementation of lift-off prevention devices such as the NASCAR roof flaps have greatly reduced the frequency and severity of race vehicle aerodynamic lift-off incidents, airborne incidents still occur occasionally in motorsports. The effectiveness of existing lift-off prevention measures and future trends in lift-off prevention are addressed in this paper. The results and analysis presented in this paper will be of paramount interest to race vehicle designers and sanctioning bodies because the effects of aerodynamics on vehicle lift-off need to be comprehended, but there exists a scarcity of reliable data in this area.