Überschlagversuchen

Überschlagversuchen, often translated as "overturning tests" or "roll-over tests," are a type of vehicle safety test designed to assess the structural integrity of a vehicle's roof and its ability to protect occupants during a rollover accident. These tests are a crucial component of vehicle safety ratings and contribute to improving the overall safety of automobiles.

The primary objective of an Überschlagversuch is to determine how well the vehicle's roof can withstand crushing forces when inverted. In a typical test, a vehicle is subjected to a simulated rollover, often by being pushed or pulled onto its side and then onto its roof. Instrumentation is used to measure the forces applied to the roof structure and the extent of deformation. The goal is to ensure that the roof remains intact and does not collapse inwards to a degree that would compromise the survival space for occupants.

Various organizations, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States and Euro NCAP in Europe, conduct and utilize the results of Überschlagversuchen. The results are often factored into a vehicle's overall safety score or star rating, providing consumers with valuable information when making purchasing decisions. Vehicles that perform well in these tests typically have reinforced roof structures, advanced pillar designs, and features like side curtain airbags that can help protect occupants during rollovers. The data gathered from these tests also informs manufacturers in their ongoing efforts to enhance vehicle design and occupant protection systems.