Side impact requirements in the USA and Europe:​ a critical comparison

Albers, W.; Lehmann, D.

Affiliations

Abstract

Accident statistics currently identify the side impact as a serious accident for the struck vehicle, characterized by a relatively large amount of economic loss. This fact and future legal requirements make the protection of occupants in this type of accident a focal point of development activities for automobile manufacturers.

In the USA, a test procedure for occupant protection in side impacts has been required since 1993. A procedure is expected for Europe. The test configuration, evaluation criteria and particulars of both methods are described and discussed from the viewpoint of one in safety development. Using the example of a full-scale test, mean values and scatter of measured occupant loads are illustrated and evaluated.

Other considerations regarding dummy behavior and the differences between the deformable test devices are explained with examples. The goal of vehicle development must be to offer the customer a high degree of occupant protection at a reasonable price. Standardization of specified test procedures and of dummies to be used would be a major step on the way to this goal.

Cited By (4)

Year	Entry
1996	Pipkorn B. A mathematical hybrid model for evaluating vehicle performance in car-to-car side impacts. In: Proceedings of the 15th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 13-16, 1996; Melbourne, Australia.704-719.
1996	Satake K, Ohmae H, Harigae T, Ueno M, Hitomi Y, Yamaguchi T, Fujiwara E. Analysis of test results of side collisions using actual vehicles. In: Proceedings of the 15th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 13-16, 1996; Melbourne, Australia.890-900.
1996	Bergmann R, Bremer C, Wang X, Enßlen A. Requirements of comprehensive side protection and their effects on car development. In: Proceedings of the 15th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 13-16, 1996; Melbourne, Australia.993-1009.
1998	Samaha RR, Molino LN, Maltese MR. Comparative performance testing of passenger cars relative to FMVSS 214 and the EU 96/EC/27 side impact regulations: phase I. In: Proceedings of the 16th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 31–June 4, 1998; Windsor, Ontario, Canada.1727-1759.