Notes
Note. A body is constructed so that it has deformable zones in the front and rear areas. These deformable zones enable absorption of impact energy through their special design. The bearing structure in these areas is adapted by a specific cross section reduction to provide optimum energy reduction in the event of an impact. Due to the vehicle dimensions in the side area of the body, deformable zones cannot be provided for absorbing energy. The impact energy can only be absorbed to a lesser extent here through the deformation of doors and pillars. This is also the case for the roof area where only the roof skin can absorb impact energy to a very small extent. In these areas, passenger protection is guaranteed by a rigid design of the passenger cell. The aim of this design is to absorb the impact energy in defined areas to keep the passenger cell as free of damage as possible in the event of an accident. If the passenger cell has been deformed in the event of an accident, extremely large reshaping forces can be expected. Repair work is often only possible in this case by replacing body parts. In general, an impact occurs diagonally or offset to the vehicle axle so that mixed forms are usually the result of a front and side impact or a rear and side impact. The deformation is not always restricted to the impact area. Due to inertia forces of masses, such as running gear, drive line, occupants of the vehicle and load or the body itself, deformation can also occur in the opposite areas. The following work sequence should provide assistance to correctly determine the scope of damage of vehicles damaged in an accident.