Apparatus and Method for Side Impact Testing

The introduction of the dynamic FMVSS 214 crash test requirement has prompted the need for an economical test method for the development of side impact occupant protection devices. Full scale side impact crash testing is too costly for the development testing of occupant protection components.

This paper describes a unique test method for side impact sled testing which utilizes a standard 12-inch HYGE type sled facility. It has been demonstrated, with several hundred tests, to provide high repeatability and good correlation with full vehicle side impact crash tests. An overview of the device and details on how it is used is provided. Typical data correlation between sled tests and crash tests is shown for FMVSS 214(dynamic) testing. EEVC side impact and lateral crash tests into a rigid pole have also been correlated with this device and will be made available upon request.