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A sub-system test method for driver air bags has been established to quantify their dynamic restraint capability. The sub-system includes a driver airbag module as well as a steering wheel with rim supported. The test is called Driver Air Bag Linear Impactor Test – Dynamic (DABLIT-D). This test method can be used for not only A to B comparisons, but also for evaluating the performance of any DAB module design in general. A variety of impactor, pendulum and drop tower test methods are currently used at suppliers. DABLIT-D is aimed to standardize airbag testing. A DOE test series was done to determine the best test parameters. Production and prototype hardware were tested to investigate the characteristics of the sub-assemblies that provide restraint capability. A modification of the Weibull function was used to characterize the resultant data.

The SAE Large Male and Small Female Dummy Task Group has recommended a change to the Hybrid III dummy hip joint. This change was made because of a non-biofidelic interference in the current design that can influence chest accelerations. The modifications include a new femur casting shaft design and the addition of an elastomeric stop to the top of the casting. Static testing and Hyge sled tests were done to evaluate the modifications. Based on the results, the new design satisfied the requirements set by the SAE task group and reduced the influence of hip joint characteristics on chest accelerations.

The design of the Hybrid III dummy's hip joint limits the allowable relative rotation between the dummy's lower torso and femur assembly. This limited motion is thought to cause abnormally high chest accelerations in some front barrier crash tests. This paper describes static testing and computer modeling to quantify the hip joint range of motion and its effect on dummy chest accelerations. To verify model results, a series of HYGE sled tests were completed using modified hip joints.