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Technical Paper

ADVANCED DESIGNS FOR SIDE IMPACT AND ROLLOVER PROTECTION

1998-05-31
986172
Every year in the U.S., about 8,000 fatalities occur in side impacts, and about 9,500 fatalities occur in vehicle rollovers. Severe head trauma and spinal cord injuries are the prevalent traumatic injuries that are directly related to the extent of inward crushing or intrusion into the occupant's “survival space” and to the rigidity and shape of interior edges and surfaces. Based on accident evaluations and assessment of available technologies, there are feasible and practical advanced design features for vehicle bodies and interiors that can concurrently enhance both side-impact protection and rollover roof-integrity protection: Strengthened vehicle body by the use of rigid-foam-filled tubular members that strengthen and stiffen the vehicle body, by tripling resistance to bending and compression. Strengthened doors with full-perimeter overlap and multiple latches. Multi-layer laminated floorpans, cross-panels, and roofs of composite materials.
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