This paper describes a new test method for predicting Anthropomorphic Test Dummy responses to calculate injury index in side impact tests with a moving deformable barrier (MDB). Sled tests are effective in shortening the development period for more safety vehicle equipped with side impact safety devices and reducing the cost and period needed to prepare prototype test vehicles. To accomplish sled tests successfully, it is necessary to simulate the complex door deformation behavior which changes different in dummy response regions by impacting with a MDB. Conventional sled test methods simulated roughly the intrusion of the entire door using a single actuator. The methods limited the dummy response regions which can be predicted because it was difficult to simulate the door deformation behavior.

The new sled test method using the Advanced Side Impact Simulator (ASIS) was developed by identifying the door intrusion behavior needed to predict each dummy response. Multiple actuators were used to simulate door deformation behavior of each dummy response region. High-output actuators were used to simulate the intrusion of the rapidly accelerating door in the initial phase. A feedback control function was used to regulate the door and seat velocities of the actuators so that they would simulate the input velocity profile even if they were acted on by the reaction force of the dummy or other parts. A comparison of dummy responses obtained in ASIS tests and in vehicle tests showed good agreement. This confirmed that the new test method is capable of predicting each dummy response with high accuracy.