Research Article

MATLAB/ Simulink Based Autonomous Vehicle Collision Simulation and Energy Absorption Analysis

Volume: 6 Number: 1 June 19, 2025
TR EN

MATLAB/ Simulink Based Autonomous Vehicle Collision Simulation and Energy Absorption Analysis

Abstract

The ability of autonomous vehicles to mitigate collision damage is closely tied to how effectively they absorb impact energy. To explore this dynamic, a simulation model grounded in MATLAB/Simulink was constructed and employed to examine the key parameters influencing collision behavior. The model was evaluated under controlled conditions, including a 45-degree impact angle, a vehicle speed of 50 km/h, and a wet asphalt surface. A series of alternative scenarios were also developed by varying speed, angle of collision, and surface friction properties. Results from the simulations indicate that increases in vehicle speed correspond to significant rises in both impact force and the amount of energy absorbed by the structure. Notably, collisions occurring at a 30-degree angle demonstrated a wider distribution of force across the vehicle body, which facilitated more efficient energy absorption. In contrast, impacts at 60 degrees led to more localized force concentration, thereby reducing energy dissipation capacity. Lower friction values on the road surface were observed to extend the duration of impact and increase the spatial spread of force throughout the vehicle framework. To assess the accuracy of the simulation, results were compared against empirical crash test data sourced from Euro NCAP and NHTSA, as well as against theoretical calculations. These comparisons showed that the model's predictions aligned with physical test data to within ±5%, indicating a high level of reliability. Taken together, these insights contribute meaningfully to the refinement of passive safety mechanisms, inform the structural design of vehicles for improved crash resilience, and support the development of intelligent safety control systems for autonomous platforms.

Keywords

References

  1. Anderson J. M., Kalra N, Stanley K. D., Sorensen P, Oluwatola O. A., Autonomous Vehicle Technology: A Guide for Policymakers, Rand Corporation, 185, 2016.
  2. Adar U. G, Altan Z., AUTOMIND: Otomobil Ne Kadar “Oto”? İnsan-Otonom Araç Üzerine Bir İnceleme, Uludağ University Journal of the Faculty of Engineering, 623-38, 2024.
  3. Anonymous, 2025. The Future of Self-Driving Cars as Autonomous Technology Advances at A More Rapid Pace, Liberty Advisor Group, https://libertyadvisorgroup.com/insight/autonomous-technology-advances-at-a-more-rapid-pace, (Accessed: 05.05.2025).
  4. Anonymous, 2021. SAE J3016 Levels of Driving Automation, https://sae.org/standards/content/j3016_202104, (Accessed: 05.05.2025).
  5. Almaskati D, Kermanshachi S, Pamidimukkala A., Investigating The Impacts of Autonomous Vehicles on Crash Severity and Traffic Safety, Frontiers in Built Environment, 2024.
  6. Ateş F, Bakirci A, Can Günaydin A, Ensarioğlu C, Çakir M. C., Otomobil Çarpışma Kutularında Performans Artırıcı Yaklaşımların İncelenmesi, BAUN Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü Dergisi, 24(2), 830-56, 2022.
  7. Baltacıoğlu K, Başar M. T, Karaaslan M, Özer Z, Öcal S., Görüntü İşleme Yoluyla Otonom Tren-Hayvan Kazası Önleme Sistemi, Demiryolu Mühendisliği, 150-61, 2023.
  8. Bakioğlu G, Atahan A., Otonom Araçların Benimsenmesi ve Güvenlik Algılarının İncelenmesi, European Journal of Science and Technology, 2022.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Autonomous Vehicle Systems

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

June 15, 2025

Publication Date

June 19, 2025

Submission Date

March 5, 2025

Acceptance Date

May 21, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 6 Number: 1

APA
Yeğin, V. (2025). MATLAB/ Simulink Based Autonomous Vehicle Collision Simulation and Energy Absorption Analysis. Journal of Materials and Mechatronics: A, 6(1), 249-261. https://doi.org/10.55546/jmm.1650323
AMA
1.Yeğin V. MATLAB/ Simulink Based Autonomous Vehicle Collision Simulation and Energy Absorption Analysis. J. Mater. Mechat. A. 2025;6(1):249-261. doi:10.55546/jmm.1650323
Chicago
Yeğin, Vedat. 2025. “MATLAB//Simulink/Based/Autonomous/Vehicle/Collision/Simulation/and/Energy/Absorption/Analysis”. Journal of Materials and Mechatronics: A 6 (1): 249-61. https://doi.org/10.55546/jmm.1650323.
EndNote
Yeğin V (June 1, 2025) MATLAB/ Simulink Based Autonomous Vehicle Collision Simulation and Energy Absorption Analysis. Journal of Materials and Mechatronics: A 6 1 249–261.
IEEE
[1]V. Yeğin, “MATLAB/ Simulink Based Autonomous Vehicle Collision Simulation and Energy Absorption Analysis”, J. Mater. Mechat. A, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 249–261, June 2025, doi: 10.55546/jmm.1650323.
ISNAD
Yeğin, Vedat. “MATLAB//Simulink/Based/Autonomous/Vehicle/Collision/Simulation/and/Energy/Absorption/Analysis”. Journal of Materials and Mechatronics: A 6/1 (June 1, 2025): 249-261. https://doi.org/10.55546/jmm.1650323.
JAMA
1.Yeğin V. MATLAB/ Simulink Based Autonomous Vehicle Collision Simulation and Energy Absorption Analysis. J. Mater. Mechat. A. 2025;6:249–261.
MLA
Yeğin, Vedat. “MATLAB//Simulink/Based/Autonomous/Vehicle/Collision/Simulation/and/Energy/Absorption/Analysis”. Journal of Materials and Mechatronics: A, vol. 6, no. 1, June 2025, pp. 249-61, doi:10.55546/jmm.1650323.
Vancouver
1.Vedat Yeğin. MATLAB/ Simulink Based Autonomous Vehicle Collision Simulation and Energy Absorption Analysis. J. Mater. Mechat. A. 2025 Jun. 1;6(1):249-61. doi:10.55546/jmm.1650323