Developing Side Impact Crashworthiness Through Advanced Experimental Techniques

A new technique for evaluating side impact crashworthiness has been developed. The system employs two sleds running on one track, the striking sled carries a deformable barrier face, whilst the struck sled supports a trimmed body-in-white with ATDs. A full vehicle is not required.

The system mounts to a standard HyGe reverse acceleration sled facility, the only additional equipment required being the two sleds.

The technique has proved to be repeatable and representative of legislative tests, making it extremely useful during vehicle development and providing significant benefits in terms of reduced development time and cost.