Swedish Researchers Develop Safer Front-End for Transport TrucksRevolutionary Truck Design Reduces Fatalities in Car Collisions

A revolutionary new design for the front end of transport trucks, developed by Swedish researchers, has the potential to decrease the number of fatalities in collisions with cars. The innovative structure is engineered to distribute and absorb the force of impact between the two vehicles.

In a recent study conducted by Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, it was found that in over 90% of car-truck crashes, the driver of the car is the one who suffers fatal injuries. This statistic applies to both head-on and rear-end collisions, where the truck collides with the car.

This is not surprising considering the significant size difference between trucks and cars. However, one of the main reasons for this disproportionate number of deaths is the mismatch of crumple zones between the two vehicles. The crumple zones in cars are often not aligned with those in trucks, resulting in the car absorbing most of the impact energy and potentially crushing its passengers.

In Europe, trucks are limited in length by government regulations, leading to a cab-over design that maximizes cargo space but lacks front-end safety features. However, in 2019, these regulations were amended, making it possible to add safety mechanisms to the front of trucks. This is where the new front-end design steps in.

The lightweight structure, developed by Chalmers' team led by Prof. Robert Thomson, is made of hexagonal aluminum-foil tubes arranged in a honeycomb pattern. It acts as a protruding bumper at the car's level, with a volume of 97% air, providing flexibility and cushioning in the event of a collision. The thickness of the foil can be adjusted to modify the structure's crumpling capability, which is significantly thicker than regular kitchen aluminum foil.

In crash tests performed by the Swedish Transport Administration, the use of this new design reduced the deformation of the car's passenger compartment by 30 to 60%, significantly reducing the risk of death or injury. The tests were conducted with both vehicles traveling at a speed of 50 km/h (31 mph), simulating a scenario where automatic emergency braking systems would have slowed the car and truck down from a cruising speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). Additionally, the truck was also better protected against damage to its steering, braking, and suspension systems as a result of the new front-end structure.

A video of one of the crash tests can be viewed below.

Alton Shaffer
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