Computer Simulation of Tests for Vehicle Protection Structures

Abstract

The paper presents the research results regarding the computer simulation of the resistance tests for tractor protective structures (cabs and protection frames). The simulation process takes into account the conditions of performing the tests for the protective structures recommended in the OECD standards code 4 and code 5 in March, 2000. Even if there are aspects which the virtual test (computer simulation of the tests) cannot reach to, or whose reaching assumes a very great effort, the elaborated simulation method can be constituted by a design proceeding of the structures which could ensure the successful passing of the physical resistance tests, by using a single protection structure for that. The performed researches show that it is possible to computer – simulate the resistance tests for the protective structures. The method is explained by an example of virtual resistance test during the overturning, applied to a simple protective structure.