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A comprehensive strategy to investigate the role of the body mounts on the passenger compartment response in a frontal crash event is presented. The activities of the study include quasi-static vehicle crush testing, development of a component-level dynamic body mount test methodology, lumped-mass computer modeling, as well as technical analysis. In addition, a means of investigating the effects the body mounts have on the passenger compartment response during a frontal barrier impact is addressed.

Computer simulation modelling has become one of the cornerstones for automotive safety vehicle development. The desire to shorten vehicle design schedules, as well as reduce prototype build and test cycles, is driving the need for more useful and accurate simulation models. This paper discusses testing techniques for two commonly used types of models; Lumped Mass/Spring and Occupant Response Simulation. These models are used for vehicle structure and interior component and restraint development, respectively. Although these types of simulations are not new to the industry, both the actual models and testing techniques used to generate input data have been gradually improved throughout the years. Readers of this paper will gain a broader understanding of the usefulness of these models, as well as the component testing which is done to build a valid simulation.

A comprehensive strategy for applying quasi-static and dynamic tests in the development of automobile side impact protection systems is presented. The approach is geared towards providing an understanding of how vehicle components relate to occupant protection as measured by the FMVSS 214 dynamic side impact test. These test methods are viewed as being complimentary, rather than competitive, tools to be employed in the overall strategy. The approach begins with obtaining detailed data from an FMVSS 214 dynamic test. Additional instrumentation is required so that the results of the test can be used to form the basis for setting conditions for subsequent quasi-static and dynamic tests. The Composite Test Procedure (CTP) is an integral part of the process. As described here, the CTP can be conducted under three different methods; three step procedure, continuous computer control, and continuous manual control.