Technical Paper
Validation of Utilizing a Self-Propelled Crash Sled to Simulate Occupant Accelerations in Minor Rear-End Impacts
2022-03-29
2022-01-0857
A novel, electrically self-propelled, mobile, free-standing crash sled was constructed with a relatively minimal budget (i.e., ≤ $10,000). The crash sled was designed to simulate occupant driver or passenger seat movement in minor impacts at varying angles with minimal, if any, component replacement necessary between tests. Validation of the crash sled in a rear-end only configuration for determination of occupant accelerations was performed. Minor rear-end crash tests involving human occupants were conducted utilizing a 2007 Toyota Camry target vehicle and a 2005 Toyota Camry bullet vehicle with changes in velocity for the target vehicle ranging between 2.8 km/h and 7.7 km/h. Vehicle instrumentation consisted of tri-axial accelerometers affixed to the center tunnels near their respective center of gravities. Human occupant instrumentation occurred only in the target vehicle and involved tri-axial accelerometers at the head, thorax, and lumbar spine.