Sport Utility Vehicle Rollover Test

Abstract

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approached NASA to evaluate vehicle rollover resistance using the High Capacity Centrifuge facility. Testing was planned for six different sport utility vehicles (SUV). Previous methods for simulating rollover conditions were considered to be not indicative of the true driving conditions. A more realistic gradual application of side loading could be achieved by using a centrifuge facility. A unique load measuring lower support system was designed to measure tire loading on the inboard tires and to indicate tire liftoff. This lower support system was designed to more closely emulate actual rollover conditions. Additional design features were provided to mitigate potential safety hazards.