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This paper summarizes a series of matched-pair frontal sled tests using the Test device for Human Occupant Restraint 50th Percentile Male (THOR-50M) anthropomorphic test device (ATD). Testing was conducted to compare the response of an ATD equipped with an on-board data acquisition system (DAS) to that of one equipped with an off-board system. Sled testing was performed using a modified version of NHTSA’s Gold-Standard test method consisting of a generic buck with a ridged seat and a 3-point seatbelt system. Eight tests were conducted, all using a common generic 30 km/h crash pulse with a peak deceleration of 9 G’s, and a 2.5 kN load limiting 3-point seatbelt retractors without pretentioners. Four tests were conducted with each ATD, two tests with a left shoulder belt routing and two with a right shoulder belt routing to allow for evaluation of the ATD repeatability under each belt routing.

With many vehicles now achieving high marks in NCAP frontal and side impact, many countries around the world are considering or have already implemented pedestrian impact protocols to help address these types of crashes, due to the incidence rate of pedestrian injuries and fatalities. The leading global protocol put forth by the working party No. 29 (WP29) of the United Nations is the Global Technical Regulation (GTR) [1], which includes testing that simulates a pedestrian's head impacting a vehicle's hood through the use of a free flight head form. In conducting this test, it is important to be aware of the sources of variation inherent in the testing equipment and testing methodology so that steps can be taken to mitigate their influence. Testing facilities that can maintain high standards of repeatability can be relied on for producing valid tests that meet the GTR tolerances as well as maintaining reasonable costs and testing throughput.