Abstract
Research and/or Engineering Questions/Objective
The research of the safety area of vehicle can be used in many places, such as the location to place the batteries in electric vehicles. The objective of the study is to draw the deformation probability distribution using the real-world road traffic accident data as the data source and computer image processing as the research method.
Methodology
Firstly, by using 3D laser scanner, the external form of a deformed vehicle involved in road traffic accident was documented in cloud points. Secondly, these cloud points were divided into 7 layers in vertical direction with each layer’s height of 100mm, from the chassis up to 700mm above. And then the contour of the cloud points in each layer was sketched. In this way, a 3D deformation issue could be simplified into 2D deformation results for further discussion. Thirdly, a rectangle representing the length and width of this vehicle model was used to be compared with this contour, so that the area between the rectangle and contour was considered to be “deformed area”, while the area inside the contour was considered to be “safety area”. Fourthly, both the “deformed area” and “safety area” were scaled into a so-called “standard car” representing the average of whole group of object vehicles by means of equivalent method, and then were converted into digital matrix by computer image processing. Finally, a group of object vehicles were all applied with the above mentioned procedures, and then the deformation probability of each elementary area among this matrix were calculated.
Results
There were in all seven deformation probability distributions, one for each layer, based on the deformation data for a group of 69 passenger cars with segment A and B, involved in the accidents occurred in Shanghai, China from Aug. 2013 to Dec. 2014. The distribution results show that: 1. most of the area of overhang was with a deformation probability over 10%, which is the area with highest possibility of deformation around the cars. 2. Even though the two sides of occupant compartment accounted for much smaller area with the deformation probability over 10% for all the layers compared with the front and rear part of the cars, there is a distinguish difference between the driver side (left side) and the front passenger side (right side). The deformation probability of the front passenger side is far larger than the driver side, which was consistent with the accident characteristics in China, especially in Shanghai.
Limitations of this study
An important limitation of the current study is the limited sources of traffic accidents, therefore the results should not be taken as general conclusion of all passenger cars in China.
What does the paper offer that is new in the field including in comparison to other work by the authors?
The method for creating visible statistical analysis results of the deformation probability distributions by using 3D scanning and digital image processing is new.
Conclusions
This study can provide visible statistical analysis results of the deformation probability distributions, which is the factual basis for designing the layout of automotive facilities in the future.
Key Words : Road traffic accident; Vehicle Deformation; 3D laser scanner; Computer image processing; Data statistics