Testing resources

This section highlights some of the latest testing products, equipment, and technologies used in sundry automotive applications from the industry's suppliers.

Developed in collaboration with the UK-based Transport Research Laboratory, Aries' P-1N impact system allows test engineers to evaluate the severity of bumper and hood impacts against pedestrians. The P-1N launches instrumented, anthropomorphic impactors-heads, upper leg forms, leg forms, knees, and body blocks-with pre-selected speeds and trajectories, which can be either linear guided or free flight, depending on the type of test. A computerized control system offers a user-friendly interface that permits programming of the main test parameters such as positioning, firing speed, and maximum acceleration. According to the company, the point of first impact is accurate to within 5 mm (0.2 in).