The Use of a Multi-Accelerometric Method in Automotive Safety Tests

Following the specific work of evaluation of methods for computing angular acceleration from the measurement of linear accelerations, the results of which are set out in a previous publication, two concrete applications were implemented with complementary objectives: Evaluate the sensitivity of angular acceleration measurement for an impact with airbag as compared to a direct impact on the steering wheel; and Estimate the precision of the measurements taken by studying the 3-D kinematics of a steering column (with dummy) by comparison with a vehicle without a conventional film study.

In both cases, the results obtained have shed light on aspects which could not have been detected any other way (influence of the airbag on head data other than the HIC, dummy/steering column interaction). This study also provided an opportunity of evaluating the Nx1 computation method developed in the laboratory. This method allows full use to be made of the measurement potential provided by accelerometer mounts APR 89/II and APR 89/III, composed of 5 or 6 accelerometric triaxes.