Crush Measurement for Side Impacts Using a Total Station

Detailed knowledge of the load paths at the vehicle/dummy interface in side impact crash tests is an essential component in the evaluation of side impact protection systems. In the laboratory, measurements of the external crush and occupant compartment intrusion profiles may be made with great precision. Recent advances in portable electronic measurement instruments have resulted in such procedures also being possible in the field. This paper describes the use of a total station to obtain these data for real-world side impact collisions. This information is likely to provide additional insight into specific injury mechanisms in such crashes.