ROPS

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the Belgian artist, see Félicien Rops.

ROPS is an acronym for Roll Over Protection Structure and refers to operator compartment structures, usually on heavy equipment. ROPS structures are defined by various regulatory agencies. The regulations will include both a strength requirement as well as an energy absorption requirement of the structure. Some dump trucks add a protrusion to their boxes that cover the operators compartment for ROPS purposes.

In the US, ROPS designs have to be certified by a Professional Engineer, who will normally require a destructive test. The structure will be tested at a reduced temperature (where the metal is more brittle), or fabricated from materials that have satisfactory low temperature performance

Some automobile models have begun to adopt the phrase, substituting system for structure in the acronym, notably the Volvo C70 convertible models, and Jaguar XK. Their ROPS structures consist of two pyrotechnically charged roll hoops hidden behind the rear seats that will pop up in the case of a roll-over to protect the occupants. If the roof is up, the system will still work, in effect shattering the rear window at the same time.