Up to now crash tests have been slightly restricted to the aspects of self-protection. Due to the fact that compatibility is recognised as an important safety factor in real life car to car accidents a test and rating procedures is proposed which in addition to self-protection also delivers information on the aggressiveness and compatibility of cars. The test procedure is based on the European frontal impact standard against the offset deformable barrier, but the barrier has been modified for more energy absorption and higher penetration resistance. Vehicle mass in connection with crush zone stiffness and stiffness distribution are assumed to be the influencing factors on aggressiveness, and these effects are quantified by measuring the crush force behind the barrier, the deformation energy in the barrier and the homogeneity of barrier deformation. Several barrier tests with small and big cars have been conducted. With the help of an appropriate rating system self-protection as well as aggressiveness and compatibility of the individual models are quantified. To validate these results additional frontal impacts with big cars against small cars are carried out. The findings, in terms of injury risks for the occupants of the small cars, show sufficient coincidence with barrier results. (A)
Abstract