Citation

Chou CC, Aekbote K, Le JJ. Int. J. Veh. Safety 2007; 2(1-2): 141-184.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Inderscience Publishers)

DOI

10.1504/IJVS.2007.012590

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Development of a vehicle in meeting various side impact performance requirements entails countermeasures (Side Airbags (SAB), door trims, EA foams, etc.) development and assessment using component and subsystem testing and analytical methods. Final occupant performance is verified using prototype testing at full vehicle level that are extensive and time-consuming. To expedite the timely development and assessment of countermeasures, component test methodologies were developed. This paper presents a literature review of side impact component test methodologies that have been used to aid in countermeasures development for occupant protection in various side impact test modes. Test methods reviewed in this paper were not exhaustive, but included a majority of developments beginning from the late 1980s to date. Component/subsystem methodologies presented in this paper are simplified tools for countermeasures development to meet FMVSS 214, Lateral Impact New Car Assessment Programme (LINCAP), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or European side impact tests. Descriptions and remarks on each methodology are discussed. The state-of-the-art side impact component test methodology is summarised in relation to their test procedure, test mode, body component involved, key parameters, side structure used, sensor signals considered and CAE and test facility used. In addition, some basics of side impact testing are reviewed with analysis of velocity profiles. Recent developments in component/subsystem test methodologies are also presented, including a CAE-driven test method.