Truck Mounted Attenuators to Mitigate the Consequences of Accidents with Road Service Vehicles

Abstract

The analysis of road accidents statistics with the participation of road services vehicles is assessed with the severity estimation of such accidents consequences. The world successful experience of truck mounted attenuators application used for road accident consequences minimization is summarized. Classification and the description of the existing devices designs are given. The regulatory framework of truck mounted attenuators application and testing is analyzed, criteria for their effectiveness evaluation are stated. A brief description of the attenuators under developed of light and heavy classes is given. To reduce development time and resources proposed the guideline for computer simulation of attenuators testing with the use of verified computer cars models. Graphical and numerical results of virtual tests are described on the example of the developed heavy class mobile attenuator. The learned values of the monitored safety criteria are within acceptable limits.

Keywords

• truck mounted attenuators
• shadow vehicle
• testing
• computer simulation
• finite element method
• shock interaction
• crash test