The levels of corrosion of different cars were measured and their effects on safety features were assessed in frontal 50 km/h impact tests against the rigid 0 degree barrier. Seven French, German, Italian and Japanese cars with high corrosion levels were tested. In addition to that of three German car models vehicles with minor corrosion and vehicles with corrosion protection were tested. The total number of conducted tests is thirteen.Corrosion: (1) lowers the mean vehicle deceleration; (2) can cause failures of anchorage points of seats and seat belts; (3) increases especially the dynamic compartment intrusion; (4) increases the impact speed of the occupants against components of the car interior; of the car interior; and (5) decreases the necessary survival space of the frontal occupants. The test results have shown that the application of corrosion protected and additional steel sheet can prevent failures of safety relevant components of the car structure. (A)
Samenvatting