Roadmap for crashworthiness finite element simulation of roadside safety structures

• Published in: Finite elements in analysis and design Vol. 34; no. 2; pp. 145 - 157
• Main Authors: Tabiei, Ala, Wu, Jin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.02.2000; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Computational techniques; Crashworthiness simulation; Exact sciences and technology; Finite-element and galerkin methods; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Ground, air and sea transportation, marine construction; Guardrail vehicle impact; Inelasticity (thermoplasticity, viscoplasticity...); Large-scale finite element simulation; Mathematical methods in physics; Physics; Road transportation and traffic; Roadside safety; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics; Viscoelasticity, plasticity, viscoplasticity; Large-scale finite element simulation; Crashworthiness simulation; Roadside safety; Guardrail vehicle impact; Bolt; Numerical method; Fastener; Finite element method; Inelasticity; Lorry; Guard rail; Traffic safety; Freeway; Road traffic; Crash barrier; Crush; Mechanical shock
• ISSN: 0168-874X; 1872-6925
• DOI: 10.1016/S0168-874X(99)00035-9

The subject of this investigation to develop an accurate simulation of truck impacting a strong-post W-beam guardrail. Detailed methods for system simulation are proposed and three major issues which involve the use of springs to simulate component crashworthiness behavior is investigated. Rail to blockout bolt connection, soil–post dynamic interaction, and the effect of guardrail ends are modeled and simulated. Soil–post interaction is modeled using both Lagrangian and Eulerian meshes; results using the two methods are presented. The present paper provides a roadmap for simulation of highway safety structures.