Crash test
From Free net encyclopedia
A crash test is a form of destructive testing usually performed in order to ensure safe design standards for automobiles or related components. There are various types of Crash tests performed, such as:
- Frontal-Impact Tests, which is what most people initially think of when asked about a crash test. These are usually impacts upon a solid concrete wall at a specified speed, but can also be vehicle-vehicle tests. 4WD's have been singled out in these tests for a while, due to the high ride-height that they often have.
- Offset Tests, in which only part of the front of the car impacts with a barrier (vehicle). These are important, as impact forces (approximately) remain the same as with a frontal impact test, but a smaller fraction of the car is required to absorb all of the force. These also have the ability to turn a car into oncoming traffic in a real life situation.
- Side-Impact Tests: these forms of accidents have a very significant likelihood of fatality, as cars don't have a significant crumple zone to absorb the impact forces before an occupant is injured.
- Roll-over Tests which tests a car's ability (specifically the pillars holding the roof) to support itself in a dynamic impact.
Crash tests are conducted under rigorous scientific and safety standards. Each crash test is very expensive so the maximum amount of data must be extracted from each test. Usually, this requires the use of high-speed data-acquisition, at least 1 tri-axial accelerometer and a crash test dummy, but often includes more.
Some organizations that conducts crash tests include Consumers Union for the magazine Consumer Reports, and Monash University department of Civil Engineering, which routinely conducts crash tests for the purposes of roadside barrier safety and design.
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