Evaluation of SSF, Roof Crush Test as an Alternative to Dynamic Rollover Test using Numerical Approach

Abstract

Rollover accidents are classified into various scenarios, and with the increasing prevalence of high-centre-of-gravity (CG) vehicles in Southeast Asia (SEA) particularly in Malaysia, such as SUVs, MPVs and pickup trucks; assessing vehicle rollover risk has become critical. Even though rollover incident recorded low number of cases compared to other crash types in Malaysia, it had the highest casualty index for killed or seriously injured (KSI) and the situation induces worries because majority of the fatalities in rollover crashes among passenger vehicle occupants goes to high CG vehicle type. There are several limitations from the SEA nations to enforce costly dynamic rollover test as safety specification for SEA market requirement. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate Static Stability Factor (SSF), and roof resistance test (FMVSS 216), as an alternative to the dolly rollover test (FMVSS 208) using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A correlated Chevrolet Silverado MY 2014 model is employed, with different SSF values representing varying levels of vehicle stability. The study evaluates peak force, peak energy absorption, and maximum intrusion during rollover simulations according to FMVSS 208 for vehicle models with different SSF values. Results indicated that vehicles with lower SSF values lead to higher energy absorption and intrusion, signifying increased rollover impact. Additionally, the article suggests that FMVSS 216 Roof Resistance Test is more severe than FMVSS 208 and vehicle rating system based on SSF value is vital for market awareness. Understanding the vehicle structural integration in rollover scenarios is essential for improving safety measures and vehicle design, especially for high-centre-of-gravity vehicles prevalent in the market.