Crash Compatibility of Microcars – A Study on Current Test Approaches

Microcars have been recognized as a growing vehicle fleet with a low safety level. In this paper car classifications are studied and a microcar is defined as a developed L7e-category with a vehicle mass up to 750 kg. Statistics from other studies have been analyzed to detect priorities of safety for microcars. Restraint systems, compartment strength and structural interaction are supposed to be the dominant issues for the safety of microcars. Current test approaches have been compared for the evaluation of these issues. The mobile deformable barrier test has been recognized as the test with most potential. The concept of the mobile deformable barrier has been further developed for assessment of frontal crash compatibility of microcars. Simulation studies verified the potential of this test approach and its comparability to car-to-car accidents. The results presented in this paper are the intermediate outcomes of an ongoing project.     «

Microcars have been recognized as a growing vehicle fleet with a low safety level. In this paper car classifications are studied and a microcar is defined as a developed L7e-category with a vehicle mass up to 750 kg. Statistics from other studies have been analyzed to detect priorities of safety for microcars. Restraint systems, compartment strength and structural interaction are supposed to be the dominant issues for the safety of microcars. Current test approaches have been compared for the ev...     »