This paper describes the work conducted by ford of britain and the test procedures used improve occupant protection in side impacts. Attention is given to the use of energy absorbing padding, which should be considered in conjunction with increased strength and stiffness of side structures if optimum protection is to be given in severe impacts. The mass and aggressivity as functions of vehicle size and design were investigated in 90 vehicle to vehicle side impacts. Other test procedures included the use of sae contoured mobile barrier in side impact tests, vehicle to vehicle angled impacts, static crush rig tests, the use of flat faced mobile barrier in side impacts and pole impacts tests. It is concluded that, to provide protection in side impacts the relative merits of increased side strength and increased interior padding depend upon the size and weight of the car. The results of this investigation suggest that side strength is more critical for the large car, whilst interior padding is critical for the small car. (see also irrd abstract no 205027).
Samenvatting