Moving Deformable Barrier Alignment with Test Vehicle

Side impact crash tests consist of a stationary test vehicle struck on the driver’s side by a moving barrier fitted with an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) side impact deformable face (version 4) ballasted to 1,500 kg. The barrier has an impact velocity of 50 km/h (31.1 mi/h) and strikes the vehicle on the driver’s side at a 90-degree angle. The longitudinal impact point of the barrier on the side of the test vehicle is dependent on the vehicle’s wheelbase. The impact reference distance (IRD) is defined as the distance rearward from the test vehicle’s front axle to the closest edge of the deformable barrier face when the barrier face first contacts the vehicle (Figure 1). IRD calculation: If wheelbase 250 cm, then IRD = 61 cm If 250 cm wheelbase 290 cm, then IRD = (wheelbase 2) – 64 cm If wheelbase 290 cm, then IRD = 81 c