Abstract
The University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute uses a rebound impact sled to study the performance of restraint systems and occupant protection issues for simulated crash environments. Restraint systems or other devices to be tested are bolted to the sled frame and platform before each test. Child safety seats can also be tested, and a variety of crash-test dummies can be used in the simulations. To simulate crashes, a pneumatically powered ram accelerates the sled's platform along a 55-foot track. The impact occurs at the opposite end of the track. Video cameras record the simulation.