A description is given of the technique used by Fiat, where three simple and economical methods for testing the complete car have been set up, namely, a static compression test, a dynamic test on catapult, and collision road tests of radio guided cars (controlled from other cars or from helicopters). The results are reciprocally integrating so as to give a thorough understanding of the behaviour of several cars models in collisions occurring in different ways and at different speeds. About 200 full-scale tests have been run so far and the results are in fair agreement with findings from actual road accidents. The information obtained has permitted progressive design refinements, and has shown the way towards constructional improvements likely to increase car safety.
Abstract