This paper describes the development of the Composite Test Procedure ("CTP"). The paper also gives a brief review of the major events in the CTP evolution. The CTP has been under discussion for about four years as an alternative to the lateral Full-Scale Test ("FST"). The method is now being developed in a joint effort by the new association of European car manufacturers (ACEA), the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), and the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association (MVMA). The new approach in automotive compliance testing consists of the combination of quasi-static testing and calculation, providing dynamic outputs like the FST, but in laboratory conditions. This kind of approach may be the first step towards future compliance testing. During the new computer-controlled CTP ("CC-CTP") test with independent thoracic and pelvic loading devices, a personal computer controls the motion of test rig cylinders. The aim is to measure the force/deflection characteristics of the front and side structure and the interior door padding. A test rig has been developed in order to perform CTP tests. The first results demonstrate that the CC-CTP can be seen as an alternative to FST with good repeatability and low cost.
Samenvatting