Re-Examination of FMVSS 213 Using New Car Assessment Program Test Data

This paper utilizes a MADYMO computer model and data from sled and crash testing to explore child restraint system certification outcomes for occupant injury tolerance measures embodied in (1) the previous FMVSS 213, (2) its upgraded counterpart, and (3) a similar velocity-change full-scale crash experiment. Model predictions indicate that the FMVSS 213 update constitutes a vital first step in the formulation of a more robust and realistic measure of child restraint system crash protection capability.

However, the provision of a wider pulse corridor in the new standard introduces great variability in acceptable outcomes, including some that may significantly increase injury probability. We recommend that near-term future research continue to explore the implications of these changes using reliable testing and modeling.