NHTSA Passenger Car Side Impact Dynamic Test Procedure - Test-To-Test Variability Estimates

A highly controlled six-vehicle crash test program was conducted to provide an estimate of the test-to-test variability of the NHTSA-proposed passenger car dynamic side impact test procedure. The results of this program showed that the rear seat test dummy response measurements are especially sensitive to various parameters of the test procedure. This paper provides estimates of front and rear seated SID dummy response measurement variability in four-door, 1990 Ford Taurus vehicles. Conclusions and recommendations from this controlled crash test program are made to provide guidance to help reduce the test-to-test variability of the test dummy responses.