This study evaluates the responses of the BioSID and the SID dummies due to changes in vehicle interiors. The study also evaluates the dummy responses for identical test conditions. A series of 12 full-scale side impact tests were conducted under highly controlled conditions using the proposed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) side impact test procedure. The responses of the two dummies are clearly different in many respects. Only the pelvis acceleration in the front seat and the upper thoracic rib in the rear seat were not significantly different. In the rear seat, all of the acceleration-based measurements common to both dummies were lower for the BioSID. Both the compression measurement and the Viscous Criterion increased with the modified door interior in the front seat. The results were mixed in the rear seat, with most of the compression and viscous measures showing no significant difference, except for the fourth rib. The results illustrate the critical impact the choice of injury measure may have on vehicle design changes that are to be developed on the basis of the side impact test procedure.
Samenvatting