Dynamic Simulation of a Vehicle Interacting with Biological and Physical Systems

Simulation analysis techniques were applied to study the dynamic response of a vehicle impacting biological and physical system barriers. Computer programs were developed to take into account the environmental factors on ground conditions and vegetation. They were incorporated into the Highway-Vehicle-Object Simulation Model (HVOSM) programs to simulate the interactions between a vehicle and the system barriers. The biophysical barriers were designed to absorb the kinetic energy of the impacting vehicle and to provide a means of preventing fatalities. The simulated results showed that judicious planting of shrubs in median and roadsides would effectively deter the errant vehicle without injury to the operator or damage to the vehicle. The shrub barriers would also reduce traffic noise and headlight glare, providing roadway beautification and environmental safety for natural conservation.