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Citation
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Ellway J, van Ratingen MR, Eggers A, Langner T, Sandner V. 27th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV); April 3-6, 2023; Abstract #: 23-0312, pp. 24p. Washington, DC USA: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2023 open access. |
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Abstract
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27th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV): Enhanced and Equitable Vehicle Safety for All: Toward the Next 50 Years
https://www-esv.nhtsa.dot.gov/Proceedings/27/27ESV-000312.pdf
The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) implemented an updated Adult Occupant Protection assessment in 2020. This saw the adoption of the Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier (MPDB) frontal impact test and the use of the THOR anthropometric test device. The procedure was developed by the Frontal Impact Working Group (FIWG) supported by Euro NCAP and its members, alongside representatives from both the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA). This paper summarises the implementation of this new procedure and the work of the FIWG over the last five years.
Data from official Euro NCAP testing has been analysed to provide an overview of results from the first three years of MPDB assessments. Euro NCAP is the first consumer rating programme in the world to include an assessment of a vehicle's compatibility. The assessment is based upon three measured parameters: standard deviation (SD) of the post-test barrier face deformation, the Occupant Load Criterion (OLC) of the MPDB trolley, and whether or not the barrier face has been crushed beyond a designated limit. The performance of the THOR dummy and its impact on vehicle ratings has also been examined. In particular, the assessment of chest and abdomen compression, iliac crest loading, and acetabulum loading were considered as they have never been included in previous assessments.
An investigation of the MPDB tests found that it is not uncommon for the diagonal belt to slide from the shoulder clavicle towards the neck of the THOR dummy. The effect of this belt movement has been investigated and improvements to the dummy hardware have been considered. As the THOR dummy is also able to measure rotational movement of the head, the group implemented a two-step approach to evaluate brain injury criteria. The first step analysed signal-based criteria culminating in the adoption of DAMAGE for assessment in 2023 ratings, another world first. The group is also reviewing existing advanced brain injury criteria that utilise FE based brain models for adoption in 2026.
The test data analysis was based on the results of Euro NCAP official tests; there was no access to manufacturers' in-house or preliminary Euro NCAP test data. Therefore, this paper does not address any repeatability or reproducibility issues. The current assessment of THOR chest compression uses the maximum peak resultant displacement of the four thoracic ribs (Rmax). The intention is to adopt a more sophisticated chest criterion in future assessments which will be performed alongside an evaluation of THOR certification data.
Euro NCAP has evaluated the implementation of a new frontal impact test in a consumer rating programme and is the first such programme to utilise the THOR ATD, advanced injury criteria and a vehicle compatibility assessment. Further developments in the assessment are being considered and will be incorporated into the vehicle rating scheme in 2026 |