Title: A study into the propensity for exhaust gas ingress into a vehicle as a result of collision damage

Authors: Brian Henderson; Mike Hall; Philip Hoyes

Addresses: GBB (UK) Limited, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 5TE, UK ' GBB (UK) Limited, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 5TE, UK ' GBB (UK) Limited, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 5TE, UK

Abstract: In a low-speed collision when a vehicle is struck in the rear, certain types of damage may occur that cause a breach between the interior of the vehicle and the outside atmosphere. In the presence of these types of damage it is often thought that the vehicle's own exhaust gases may be able to enter the interior of the vehicle. As a consequence that vehicle may be deemed unsafe for continued use. This report describes an investigation into the ingress of carbon monoxide and, by implication, other exhaust gas components into the interior of a vehicle through areas of simulated damage at the rear. The results indicate the propensity of exhaust gas ingress to the interior of a vehicle.

Keywords: automotive safety; vehicle safety; motor vehicle crashes; passenger safety; gas inhalation risk; exhaust gas ingress; carbon monoxide; crash testing; roadworthiness; unroadworthy; low speed impact; vehicle damage; low-speed collisions; rear impact; exhaust gases; simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVS.2015.070787

International Journal of Vehicle Safety, 2015 Vol.8 No.3, pp.251 - 262

Received: 22 Jul 2014
Accepted: 29 Apr 2015
Published online: 24 Jul 2015 *

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