Side Impact Crash Test Simulation and Analysis of Passenger Bus

Transport buses forms an integral part of public transport vehicle fleet in India. A large number of people use public transport buses for their daily conveyance. These buses can be private or government but their safety needed to be given due consideration. Crash tests used for assessing the safety and crash worthiness of automobiles can be used to assess the safety of passenger buses. A Finite Element model of a passenger bus was used in a crash simulation to assess the safety and crashworthiness of these buses.

A 3D model of a passenger bus with exact dimensions of body frame work and chassis was simulated using professional crash software and the flaws in design were found. These flaws proved to be fatal to the passengers travelling in the bus. Both side and front impact crashes were simulated. The front side of the body frame was deformed and didn't withstand minimum stress during crash. In side impact the frame along with side sheet metal protruded into the inside of the bus causing injuries to the passengers seated on the side seats.

Following design changes were suggested for passenger safety. The side impact can be reduced by installing a rail in between the seats and the body frame work along the side so that it can absorb impact energy. The bumper if designed with a composite material can absorb greater energy. The body frame work needs better welding and energy absorbing capabilities.