Freelander - Crash Testing
Crash Testing for real
Launching a Freelander prototype at a 130 tonne rigid barrier is over in the blink of an eye. What happens next takes considerably longer, and involves some of the most advanced computer-based technology in the world.
The anatomy of a crash
In conjunction with Land Rover, the Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) have developed software known as 'Crashview', which enables the anatomy of a crash to be analysed with phenomenal precision, scope and depth. Land Rover is the first motor manufacturer to use this technology, which employs an integrated combination of video and computer-based analysis.
Sensors (accelerometers) located throughout the car and on the test dummy provide up to 120 data channels, each collecting data 40,000 times a second. A number of cameras, located at strategic points, each film the crash at 1,000 frames per second.
The end of the crash itself sees the beginning of an intricate process of collating and analysing the vast information bank provided by the sensors and video footage. This futuristic technology enabled Land Rover engineers to assess in fine detail every aspect of Freelander's safety performance.
Offset crash testing; closer to 'real life'
Freelander has been designed to exceed all current European legislation relating to crash worthiness. Until recently, all front impact legislation world-wide related to 30mph impacts into a block which spread the impact across the whole of the front of the vehicle. Freelander has passed far tougher tests, which will become a legal requirement on the near future. It has fully demonstrated structural integrity in the 'offset' barrier test; closer to 'real life', because:
- It is a front three quarter off-set rather that a head-on impact.
- It puts all the impact forces mainly into one side of the vehicle.
- It takes place at a higher speed - 35mph.
In this test, total crash energy is increased over the head-on barrier test by 36% because of the increase in sped. Because of the offset barrier, the energy must be absorbed using much less of the vehicle's body structure. To deal with this, new types of 'crumple zone' load paths were engineered to spread the impact forces down members which branch like tree roots as they progress rearwards down the vehicle body.
Land Rover's advanced 'virtual reality' CAD techniques played a key role in enabling Land rover engineers to quickly select the designs that would work well. real crash tests at regular stages of the programme ensured that the good results predicted by the computer simulations were borne out in reality.
The Benefits
- Advanced technology producing advanced levels of safety for Freelander.
