Analysis of an amphibious bus according to ECE R66 regulations

The bus overturn scenario of an amphibious bus was analyzed according to the ECE R66 regulations of the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe). The fulfillment of the criteria laid down in the ECE R66 regulations is necessary in order to grant road approval to bus vehicles. In particular, intrusions into the defined survival space of the passengers are not permitted according to the regulations.

By simulating the bus overturn, the number of necessary real tests could be significantly reduced. Based on the calculation results, approval was granted by the RDW. Additional real tests of the entire bus could be dispensed with.

The calculation of the bus overturn was carried out with the Ansys LS-DYNA program and subsequently assessed by the RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer) in the Netherlands. In cooperation with the customer, various design variants were analyzed on the basis of the results of the simulations until compliance with the ECE R66 regulations could be ensured by the simulation. In cooperation with the persons responsible for the design at the customer, the calculations were presented to the RDW and the details were resolved in such a way that certification according to the ECE R66 regulations could take place.