Side impact accidents against a tree or pole remain the most dangerous accident
scenarios in rally cars. Statistical data shows that 52% of the fatalities
between 2004 and 2009 concern crashes against a rigid pole by the track sides,
whilst among those more than 60% were side impacts. Despite the present
scientific efforts, rallying cars side impacts are still among the least
understood primarily due to limited space between the occupant and door sill,
evolving safety regulations and vehicle dynamics. In this study, finite element
dynamic characteristics of the whole car were studied. The finite element model
consisted of the whole car structure and 241 parts including the engines, tyres
and the suspension members with 4 different element types and 7 material models.
All structural parts were modelled as low-carbon steel with the piecewise-
linear-plasticity material model (mat 24). The tyres were modelled with the
Blatz-Ko rubber material (mat 07) whilst also rigid and other materials (mat
020, 01, 09, S01 and S02) were used to represent different parts of the model,
as the suspension members, suspension links and the engine. A rollcage and two
racing seats were modelled with four-node shell elements and the use of
piecewise-linear-plasticity and composite-damage materials respectively. A semi-
cylindrical pole of 200mm diameter was also designed and modelled as a rigid
body. The model was used to first investigate the dynamics of the crash, and
later run a wide range of simulations and parametric studies in the cage, the
car's floor and the seats. The important findings from the study are presented,
conclusions drawn and scope for further development outlined