Abstract
This study evaluated the adequacy of the 2000P test vehicle as a surrogate for light truck subclasses. The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 350 recommended the use of a 3/4-ton (approximately 2000 kg) pickup as the surrogate for all light truck subclasses. This standard test vehicle, the 3/4-ton pick-up truck (designated as the 2000P test vehicle in NCHRP Report 350) replaced the 2040 kg (4500 lb) passenger car which till its replacement in 1993, was the standard test vehicle of that weight class for all formal vehicle crash testing procedures. The study approach consisted of the following main tasks:, 1. Identification and comparison of key vehicle parameters. 2.literature review. 3.Statistical study 4. Simulation study. 5.Synthesize results. 6.Prepare thesis. In the initial part of the study key vehicle parameters were identified and used in a preliminary assessment of the 2000P test vehicle. These parameters were then used as statistical variables in the statistical study undertaken. The HVOSM computer simulation program was then used to evaluate representatives of the larger light truck subclasses and the 2000P test vehicle on impact with selected roadside features. A comparison scheme developed using NCHRP Report 350 was then utilized in the evaluation of simulation results. Results were then synthesized and a thesis prepared on the surrogate sufficiency of the 2000P test vehicle. Drawbacks and limitations experienced during tasks were outlined as well as the contribution and significance of the entire study. A six year ceiling was recommended by the NCHRP Report 350 by Ross et al. (1993) for the purpose of vehicle selection for crash testing purposes. Hence this study focuses on the modern light truck fleet, model years 1990 through present.
Titus-Glover, Cyril James (1996). Evaluation of the adequacy of the 2000P test vehicle as a surrogate for light truck subclasses. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1996 -THESIS -T58.