Analysis of Test Results for Amf/Fiat Esv Head-On Collision

As part of its ESV evaluation effort, Dynamic Science has recently conducted vehicle-to-vehicle aggressive testing of the large AMF ESV with two small Fiat ESVs (Fiat 2,000-pound and Fiat 2,500-pound classes) at a closure speed of 75 mph. Preliminary analyses of crash test results are presented in this report. The vehicle-to-vehicle tests were highly successful in that structural integrity of the Fiat passenger compartments was adequately maintained. The AMF vehicle's hydraulic subsystem absorbed a significant portion of the crash energy in its 20-inch stroke, thus offering reduced aggressiveness to the small Fiat vehicles. However, human survival in terms of meeting current occupant injury criteria was not evaluated since dummies were not included in this preliminary test series. Such an evaluation is planned as part of future phases of this ESV evaluation program.

During the Fourth ESV Conference, Dynamic Science reported on the results of a head-on collision between a small Italien ESV (Fiat 1,500-pound class) and a large American ESV (AMF) at a closure speed of 60 mph. Dynamic Science has just completed similar vehicle-to- vehicle aggressiveness testing of the AMF ESV with two heavier Fiat ESVs, the Fiat 2000 and the Fiat 2500A. These structural tests were conducted at a closure speed of 75 mph. In addition, testing of the AMF into a Fiat 2500B is planned at a closure speed of 50 mph. The Fiat 2500B vehicle will include two front occupants restrained by experimental belt/seat subsystems. This paper presents preliminary analyses of the results for the two structural tests conducted at a 75 mph closure speed