PARAMETRIC STUDY OF TRUCK SIDE UNDERRUN PROTECTION DEVICES USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

• Main Author: Rayhan Nur Haq, Muhammad
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Subjects: Teknik (Rekayasa, enjinering dan kegiatan berkaitan)
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/86348
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Vehicle underrun accidents, where a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck during a collision, pose significant safety risks, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. To address this issue, Side Underrun Protection Devices (SUPDs) have been implemented, though the effectiveness of those commonly used in Indonesia remains in question. This research evaluates and seeks to improve these devices through a parametric study using the finite element method (FEM) and simulations conducted in LS-DYNA. A SUPD model, based on designs widely used by trucks in Indonesia, was developed and analyzed. The study focused on varying key geometrical parameters, including thickness, support angle, and ground clearance, to assess their impact on the SUPD's ability to prevent underrun and reduce passenger head injuries. Results show that the initial SUPD design, commonly found in Indonesia, failed to prevent underrun incidents. This highlights the urgent need to revise Indonesian SUPD regulations to enhance road safety. Thicker SUPDs, particularly those at 6 mm, performed significantly better in preventing underrun, absorbing kinetic energy, and maintaining structural integrity. The study also analyzed the effect of SUPD geometries on head injuries, measured by the Head Injury Criterion (HIC15). Thickness emerged as the most effective parameter in enhancing SUPD performance, particularly in energy absorption and reducing deformation, while optimizing the support angle was crucial in minimizing head injury risks. In conclusion, this research advocates for updated SUPD regulations in Indonesia, recommending thicker SUPDs and the inclusion of dynamic side impact testing, to ensure maximum safety for vehicle occupants.