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 crash cart fitted with an IIHS deformable barrier element (version 4). The 1,500 kg moving deformable barrier (MDB) 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 when it first contacts the vehicle (Figure 1). Evaluation testing of the impact configuration has been previously reported (Dakin et al., 2003)