A Comparison of Crush Stiffness Characteristics from Partial-Overlap and Full-Overlap Frontal Crash Tests

The CRASH3 computer program models a vehicle structure as a homogeneous body with linear force-deflection characteristics. Crush stiffness coefficients determined from full-overlap crash tests, when used in this computer program, allow for an accurate reconstruction of collisions where the accident damage profiles are full-overlap. In the past, partial-overlap frontal crash tests were not performed. The lack of partial-overlap frontal crash tests meant that a reconstructionist only had crush stiffness coefficients available that were determined from full-overlap frontal crash tests. In a reconstruction, the assignment of stiffness coefficients to a partial-overlap damage profile required engineering judgement. Often the basis of such judgement was questioned because of the lack of supporting partial-overlap test data.

Recently partial-overlap crash tests have been performed and the test data has been made available to the public. A comparison of crush stiffness characteristics from partial-overlap, and full-overlap, frontal crash tests is presented in this paper.