A Moving Deformable Barrier (MDB) used to simulate a colliding vehicle is an important element in full-scale side impact test procedures. There are several differences in weights, dimensions, force deflection characteristics, etc. between the US MDB and the European MDB, by reflecting the difference in vehicle population in their markets. During the past studies being made for the introduction of side impact testing procedures into Japan, it is expected to develop a practical MDB corresponding to the situations of the Japanese automobile. This paper reports the results of the studies of Japanese automobile characteristics, and also describes the design and performance of an MDB developed in Japan. Based on the investigation results of Japanese automobiles, the specifications of the MDB to be used in Japanese side impact test procedures were determined. To meet these specifications, studies were made for materials and construction of the MDB, paying attention to form a practical test procedure. Frontal barrier impact tests and full-scale side impact tests were carried out to evaluate the characteristics of the MDB. (A)
Samenvatting