The Mechanics of Rollover as the Result of Curb Impact

This paper analyses the mechanics of overturning which occurs as the result of a vehicle colliding with a curb or similar obstacle. Because the duration of impact is short, the forces involved may be treated as impulsive forces and a graphical method may be used to determine the terminal velocities after the impact. The mathematical analysis is supported by results obtained from a film of an actual track test in which rollover was induced by sliding a car sideways into a curb. The motion of the vehicle after impact with the curb was also analysed in this film. During airborne motion, the car may be considered as a simple projectile and any aerodynamic effects neglected.