N3 KATEGORIJOS TRANSPORTO PRIEMONĖS ŠONINĖS APSAUGOS ĮTAISŲ ATITIKTIES UNECE R73 REGLAMENTUI EKSPERIMENTINIS VERTINIMAS

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental evaluation of lateral protection devices of N3 category vehicles in accordance with UNECE Regulation No. 73. The aim of the study was to assess their compliance with the prescribed geometric and mechanical criteria on the basis of a summarized analysis of twenty tests, as well as to examine their deformation behaviour and structural stiffness. The tests were carried out in an accredited laboratory under the conditions specified in the regulation, applying a 1 kN horizontal static load and taking measurement uncertainty into account. The study evaluated the geometric parameters of the devices, the distances to vehicle structural elements, gap sizes, and deformations in the load application zones. The results showed that, in all analysed cases, the tested devices complied with UNECE Regulation No. 73, and the measured deformations did not exceed the permissible limits. The results indicate that the investigated structural solutions provide sufficient mechanical stiffness and may support further improvement of the design and testing methodology of lateral protection devices