Performance Evaluation of Three New-Generation Anthropomorphic Test Dummies

The performance characteristics of three advanced 50th percentile male anthropomorphic test dummy designs were quantitatively evaluated. Statistical analyses of replicate measurements of dummy accelerations and restraint system loads taken in four sled test environments simulating typical belt, air bag, and vehicle interior configurations revealed the following: (1) The degree of response repeatability of a particular dummy is both test-configuration and measured-variable dependent; (2) The means of certain responses of a pair of identically manufactured dummies were significantly different, while the variances of the respective means were statistically similar; and (3) No one dummy design demonstrated best repeatability characteristics across all test configurations and measured-response variables.