Rollover Testing of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

Alan F. Asay; Jarrod Carter; James Funk; Gregory Stephens

doi:10.4271/2015-01-1475

A follow-up case study on rollover testing with a single full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) was conducted under controlled real-world conditions. The purpose of this study was to conduct a well-documented rollover event that could be utilized in evaluating various methods and techniques over the phases associated with rollover accidents. The phases documented and discussed, inherent to rollovers, are: pre-trip, trip, and rolling phases.

With recent advances in technology, new devices and techniques have been designed which improve the ability to capture and document the unpredictable dynamic events surrounding vehicle rollovers. One such device is an inertial measurement unit (IMU), which utilizes GPS technology along with integrated sensors to report and record measured dynamic parameters real-time. The data obtained from a RT-4003 IMU device are presented and compared along with previous test data and methodology.

For this case study, an instrumented 1996 GMC Jimmy SUV was towed to 53.6 mph (86.3 kph) and released. An automated pre-programmed controller steered the vehicle through maneuvers intended to result in rollover. The SUV rolled 2 revolutions and was documented with both on and off-board instrumentation, videotape footage, survey measurements, and numerous high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) laser scans. The data were then compared and contrasted with previously published rollover techniques and methodologies.

This instrumented case study is a well-documented test that can be utilized in accident reconstruction for future evaluation, comparison, or simulation of similar type rollover events.

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Rollover Testing of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) 2015-01-1475

SAE MOBILUS