WORKSHOP: Rollovers
Abstract: This presentation identifies and documents the physical evidence generated as a consequence of on-road, untripped SUV rollover tests. We will examine how this evidence is related to the motion of the vehicle during the pre-roll and rollover sequence. The vehicle evidence resulting from these rollovers includes scratch patterns, tire damage, rim damage, suspension damage, window damage and roof crush. The roadway evidence includes pre-roll yaw marks, paint transfers/scrape marks, glass deposits, rim gouges, rim imprints, tire scuffs, vehicle debris, and fluid stains. The vehicle motion was documented and analyzed during the test using video cameras. Analysis of the vehicle motion was used to determine the cause of the vehicle and roadway evidence. The vehicle dynamics during the rollover sequences were also analyzed. The rollover dynamics included number of rolls, rollover distances, speeds, accelerations, roll rates, yaw angles, and yaw rates. The vehicles involved in the testing were a 1991 Ford Explorer XLT 4x2, and a 1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x2. These tests were run using the vehicles' own engines, drive trains and brakes to accelerate and maintain speed. The vehicles' steering systems were used to control the vehicle heading and direction. Remote radio signals were used to control the accelerator, brake and steering wheel during the pre-roll phase. The Explorer test and the 4Runner test were steering-induced rollovers that incorporated a left-right steering sequence. The 4Runner test was presented in Volume 2, Issue 2 of Collision. The Explorer test was presented in Volume 2, Issue 1 of Collision. Bio - Lawrence Wilson Licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer specializing in vehicle accident investigation, accident reconstruction, and causation analysis. Areas of Expertise
Professional Certification and Training
Academic Background
Activities
Bibliography of Papers 1. Wilson, L.A., M. Gilbert and D. Godrick, "Reconstruction and Analysis of Steering-Induced, On-road, Untripped SUV Rollover Tests (Part 2), Collision: The International Compendium for Crash Research, Volume 2, Issue 2, Fall 2007. 2. Wilson, L.A., M. Gilbert and D. Godrick, "Reconstruction and Analysis of Steering-Induced, On-road, Untripped SUV Rollover Tests (Part 1), Collision: The International Compendium for Crash Research, Volume 2, Issue 1, Summer 2007. 3. Wilson, L. A., D. Godrick and S. Kildare, "Vehicle Dynamic Characteristics of SUVs in On-Road, Untripped Rollover Accidents", Collision: The International Compendium for Crash Research, Volume 1, Issue 2, Fall 2006. 4. Jones, I. S., L. A. Wilson. "Techniques for the Reconstruction of Rollover Accidents Involving Sport Utility Vehicles, Light Trucks and Minivans," SAE Paper No. 2000-01-0851, SAE: International Congress and Exposition, March 2000. 5. Jones, I. S., L. A. Wilson and R. Whitfield. "Emergency Steering in Fatal and Serious Injury, Sport Utility Vehicle Rollover Crashes," IMechE, Vehicle Safety 2000, London, England, June 7-9, 2000. |
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