This paper gives a general description of a dynamic test method for development of a car’s interior towards improved side impact performance. It also describes an application and some advantages of the test method. The background and needs for this method are to:
In short, the method is based on a small moving barrier which carries the trim panels mounted on a door and side structure bullet-substitute. Any available side impact dummy can be used in the method. The dummy is placed in the seat, which is positioned on the ground, via a special frame. To run the test, the moving barrier is accelerated up to a chosen “dummy impact velocity” before it impacts on the dummy and seat.
Preliminary findings show the test method to have good conformity with a full-scale test, both in dummy response and the behaviour of the interior components. Apart from the possibility of easily evaluating the advantages of improved design of regarding the trim panels, seat and padding, the method can be used to determine the effects of different bullets and structural performance.