One highly effective means of evaluating the performance of a vehicle’s roof structure under real world conditions is an inverted drop test.  In order to understand the forces and energy applied in a given rollover, an appropriate drop orientation can be developed.  Roll and pitch angles may be set to focus the impact on the desired portion of the roof structure and drop height can be selected to apply a precise amount of energy.  SAFE Laboratories has years of experience in conducting inverted drop tests, and has developed sophisticated equipment and procedures to quickly and efficiently setup and execute tests.

SAFE Laboratories is also fully equipped to develop, implement, and test alternative roof designs.  Based on procedures and techniques well establish within the automotive industry and often using OEM components, a vehicle can be modified in a manner consistent with manufacturing practice.  Steel tubing and structural polyurethane foam, can be inserted into the voids in the roof structure to provide increased strength and crush resistance.  OEM and custom formed sheet metal can also be used to enhance the cross sections of the roof structure. These modifications can all be accomplished within the OEM cross sections so as to not alter the vehicle interior or exterior appearance.

Drop test vehicles may be fitted with a full compliment of instruments tailored to collect any data required for a specific test.  Lighting and photography equipment can be fitted inside the vehicle focusing on areas of interest.  A load plate can be included underneath the test vehicle to obtain a dynamic measurement of the forces exerted on the roof structure.