Crash tests involve colliding vehicles with both static and moving barriers, followed by an analysis of the results to assess the safety level of the vehicle.
Why Do We Need Car Crash Testing?
Traffic accidents are unforeseen events that no one wishes for. Therefore, ensuring the safety of vehicle users is of utmost importance. Car crash testing plays a crucial role in enhancing vehicle safety by simulating real-world accident scenarios and evaluating their impact on occupants within the vehicle. Thanks to these tests, designers can improve vehicle structures and equip additional safety features, minimizing fatalities and injuries in the event of an accident.
Car crash testing plays a crucial role in enhancing vehicle safety.
Crash Testing Equipment
To ensure accuracy and comprehensive data collection, crash tests utilize various specialized equipment:
1. Crash Dummies
These are human-like models made from various materials, mimicking human body weight, size, and movement capabilities during a collision. These dummies are equipped with sensors to record data on impact forces, acceleration, and motion during the crash.
2. Crash Test Vehicles
This equipment simulates other vehicles involved in the accident, including other cars and obstacles. The crash test vehicles are made from aluminum and steel frames, capable of moving at various speeds and angles to replicate real-world collision scenarios.
3. Data and Image Analysis Systems
This includes high-speed cameras, sensors, and specialized software to record and analyze data from crash tests. Cameras and sensors are placed on the test vehicle and around the collision area to capture detailed images and data on the vehicle’s movements, dummies, and other components during the crash. This data is then analyzed by specialized software to evaluate the vehicle’s safety and identify areas for improvement.
Cameras and sensors are placed on the test vehicle to capture images.
Different Types of Crash Tests
Due to the countless possible accident scenarios, crash tests are diverse to simulate the most common collision cases:
1. Frontal Crash Tests
Frontal collisions are the most common type of accident, thus requiring various specialized techniques to enhance the safety of the vehicle’s front end. Tests include collisions with both static and moving barriers. Collisions can occur at various angles, including head-on, offset, and angled impacts. This test evaluates the protection capability for the driver and front passengers in case of a frontal collision. Frontal crash tests are typically conducted at speeds ranging from 45 to 75 km/h.
Frontal collisions are the most common type of accident.
2. Side Crash Tests
Compared to the front of the vehicle, the sides present a greater risk to passengers due to significantly reduced crumple zone length. Side crash tests involve a crash test vehicle colliding with a stationary vehicle at a right angle, resulting in door deformation. With less space to decelerate, manufacturers must reinforce the structure of the pillars and door frames to better absorb impact forces.
This test assesses the protection capability for the driver and passengers in the event of a side collision when the protective space for occupants is significantly reduced. Side crash safety tests are typically conducted at speeds ranging from 50 to 60 km/h.
This test is typically conducted at speeds ranging from 50 to 60 km/h.
3. Roof Strength Testing
Among the less common yet significant accidents are rollovers. In cases where the roof collapses, occupants can be at risk of being crushed under the weight of the vehicle. These tests are conducted by applying pressure to the roof and measuring the maximum resistance it offers before the roof collapses by 5 inches.
This test evaluates the roof’s load-bearing capability and its effectiveness in protecting occupants in the event of a rollover.
Rollover accident.
Results of Crash Tests
Crash tests are typically conducted by third-party organizations and evaluated thoroughly. Some well-known crash testing agencies include NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). The results of crash tests are divided into four categories.
1. Adult Safety
Adults are generally assumed to be seated in the front seats, and therefore, this safety rating heavily depends on frontal and side impacts. It also considers the whiplash injury effect due to sudden jerking of the neck during a collision.
2. Child Safety
Crash tests assume that children are placed in appropriate child seats secured to the rear seat by a restraint system. The focus is on side impact effects.
3. Pedestrian Safety
This is the only aspect of crash test results related to the safety of individuals not seated in the vehicle. It measures the impact of the vehicle’s front on the head, upper, and lower body of pedestrians or cyclists who may accidentally come into contact with the vehicle.
4. Safety Assistance
This rating measures the effectiveness of active and passive safety features in the vehicle. It includes lane-keeping assistance systems, seat belts, and airbags.
