Citation

Roka S, Mensa G, García V, Baldanzini N, Pieve M, di Piazza S. 27th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV); April 3-6, 2023; Abstract #: 23-0259, pp. 11p. Washington, DC USA: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2023 open access.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023 open access, US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Abstract

27th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV): Enhanced and Equitable Vehicle Safety for All: Toward the Next 50 Years

https://www-esv.nhtsa.dot.gov/Proceedings/27/27ESV-000259.pdf

Protection of the Powered Two-Wheelers (PTW) is a major concern due to the increase of this mode of transportation in the accident statistics during the last years. In fact, nowadays, more than 12 riders die on European roads every day and more than 100 are severely injured. In that scenario, IDIADA has promoted and coordinated the European project PIONEERS within the H2020 EU funding programme. This project aimed to reduce the number of PTW fatalities and severely injured by increasing the safety performance, comfort, and usage rate of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the development of new on-board vehicle safety devices. To be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the on-board vehicle safety devices, a lateral testing protocol has been developed considering specifications of the sensor mounting, fixing of the PTW into the test rig, etc. to ensure the repetitiveness of the tests. Four lateral barrier (AE-MDB Euro NCAP) impact tests with two different on-board systems have been performed within the scope of the PIONEERS project according to the impact protocol defined. A Motorcycle Anthropomorphic Test Device (MATD) has been attached to the upper part of a standard Hybrid III dummy from IDIADA to perform the crash tests. Simulations have been performed by UNIFI and compared with the physical tests performed in the laboratory. Results show significant differences between the use of lateral airbag and safety leg cover. The differences are observed not only in the biomechanical values of the MATD but also in the kinematics of the PTW and dummy and in the final relative position of both. By developing new test protocols, more realistic and robust test methodologies will provide better physical data for PTW manufacturers, as well as for on-board protective equipment OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and PPE suppliers. The data from the tests can be considered as a baseline for further development of the injury assessment for PTWs and it's believed that this data will help to develop more sophisticated testing devices. This paper covers the preparation of testing protocols and execution of PTW lateral safety testing activities performed in IDIADA.