Research and compliance testing of steering assemblies has shown that new columns perform at or near their full energy absorbing potential. Accident data analysis, however, indicates that the EA units seldom exhibit compression which utilizes their full capability. The cause of the discrepancy between the test results and the accident data is unknown, although a number of explanations have been offered. Each accident is unique, however, and the column behavior in the varied accident modes is difficult to assess.

A frontal crash test matrix conducted by the National Highway Traflic Safety Administration provided an opportunity to examine the steering column performance under a variety of frontal crash configurations. The analysis presented in this paper was initiated with the objective of documenting the extent and nature of steering column intrusion for selected matrix tests. Static and photographic measurement methods were employed in documenting the steering column intrusion.

The results show significant differences between dynamic motions and residual displacements. They also show column performance being dependent upon both the vehicle and the crash configuration. The effect of these results on restrained and unrestrained occupant response is included in this paper.