A Method to Quantify Vehicle Dynamics and Deformation for Vehicle Rollover Tests Using Camera-Matching Video Analysis

This paper examines the use of camera-matching video analysis techniques to quantify the vehicle dynamics and deformation for a dolly rollover test run in accordance with the SAE Recommended Practice J2114. The method presented enables vehicle motion data and deformation measurements to be obtained without the use of the automated target tracking employed by existing motion tracking systems. Since it does not rely on this automated target tracking, the method can be used to analyze video from rollover tests which were not setup in accordance with the requirements of these automated motion tracking systems. The method also provides a straightforward technique for relating the motion of points on the test vehicle to the motion of the vehicle's center-of-mass.

This paper, first, describes the specific rollover test that was utilized. Then, the camera-matching method that was used to obtain the vehicle motion data and deformation measurements is described. Finally, the data obtained from the video analysis is analyzed and compared to data obtained from on-board instrumentation. Ultimately, the camera-matching technique is shown to be a viable technique for obtaining three-dimensional vehicle motion during a rollover crash test. As a means of obtaining vehicle deformation, the technique will need further development.