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. The roll angle and roll rate behavior of the HVE tractor-semitrailer were correlated to the test data by varying the connection torsional stiffness values within HVE. The roll angle and roll rate temporal data from the test showed that the torsionally compliant combination vehicle stored and released mechanical energy. This effect was also observed in the calibrated HVE model. The effects of varying the crush stiffness values, suspension wheel rates, and the tire-to-pavement coefficient of friction were evaluated in the HVE simulations. Roll angle, roll rate, and impact acceleration temporal test data were compared to corresponding data from the HVE simulations. During the rollover test, a 16,460-lb block of ballast became dislodged. This event was comprehended by the HVE simulation and is compared to the test via still video frames. All known tractor-semitrailer rollover crash tests are included in the literature review. A brief review of rollover simulation literature is included in this paper.