UWE Bristol Engineering showcase 2015

Design and Structural Analysis of a Roll Over Protection
System
An investigation has been carried out
to examine how the structural
components of a rollbar affect its
performance in a rollover crash. A
range of roll bars were designed in
SolidWorks. Some of these models
were selected for testing in Abaqus
FEA (Finite Element Analysis).
Various methods of testing were
attempted in Abaqus, and the
simulations that were carried out
showed relationships that would be
expected from similar real world
scenarios. From the results of these
simulations the best design elements
were selected and combined in a final
design. This final design will be used
next year as the starting point for the
second half of this masters project, in
which the roll bar will be
manufactured.
From looking at all of the relevant literature and
existing products, a good selection of roll bar
prototypes were designed. The testing of proved
to be very difficult, however good results were
eventually obtained, which showed that
backstay spacing has a major impact on frontal
impact resistance. The optimum backstay
spacing was found to be 0.4m for this
application. Various diagonal members were
tested, and the X bracing option, despite being
the heaviest, was the clear favourite. this can be
seen in the results as it maintained the lowest
maximum deflection in all but one test.