HOW TO USE PC-CRASH TO SIMULATE ROLLOVER CRASHES. IN: OCCUPANT AND VEHICLE RESPONSES IN ROLLOVERS

Abstract

PC-CRASH is a crash simulation computer program that can be used to simulate vehicle movement before, during, and after the impact. The software can calculate the movement of all involved vehicles based on a 3D kinetic vehicle model. PC-CRASH takes into account various factors such as gravity, tires, wind, and, if necessary, trailer forces. This chapter on the use of PC-CRASH to simulate rollover crashes is from a comprehensive textbook on occupant and vehicle responses in rollovers. The authors discuss the physical background of the program, including capabilities and limitations. One rollover example is presented and analyzed. The authors conclude that the software is capable of predicting the vehicles' path, the timing, the number of rolls, and most other relevant rollover parameters. The effects of direct contacts and/or detailed deformation cannot be modeled with the software. However, the tool is useful to determine the stability of certain rollover conditions and the influence of certain parameters, such as initial speed, friction, and suspension characteristics.