Body optimization approach of sedan structure for improving small overlap impact rating

Small overlap accidents of sedans often result in severe injuries. In this article, a crashworthiness design method, including engine-room energy management, suspension safety design and passenger compartment enhancement, was evaluated to improve the small overlap rating based on finite element simulation. Longitudinal reinforcement and shotgun redesign techniques were proposed to increase energy-absorption and decrease the impact force that transferred to the passenger compartment. The response surface methodology was utilized to propose the optimal passenger compartment parameters in order to reduce intrusion. The evaluation of the sedan structure performance was conducted by comparing simulated intrusion results with the rating guidelines of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The optimal results indicated that the intrusion was decreased by an average of 58.64%, with a minimum percentage of 44.98% around footrest area, and the measurement points for intrusion was upgraded to good. The proposed crashworthiness design approach is effective in vehicle structure optimization for better small overlap impact performanc

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in Semi-Arid Areas in India

This detailed report summarises key findings from an extensive Regional Diagnostic Study (RDS) for South Asia. Despite intense analytical efforts at the sub-regional level, reliable downscaled data may not be available with current models. As well, the spatial scale of available downscaled climate products (Regional Climate Models) may preclude their use in local decision-making. Often, locally significant drivers such as land use-land cover change overwhelm the influence of climatic drivers. Climatic and non-climatic risks in the subregions are further exacerbated by lack of institutional support and unplanned development. Research needs to assess trends in coupled socio-ecological systems.IDR