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A series of side facing seat impact sled tests were conducted using the SID, EuroSID-1 and BioSID side impact Anthropomorphic Test Dummies (ATDs) at the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute (CAMI). The tests were performed on a side facing sofa fixture with a rigid bulkhead adjacent to the forward end of the seat. The purpose of the research project was to examine the methods utilized by the automobile industry to assess thoracic injuries due to side impact accidents, and to investigate the potential applicability of these methods for side facing seats and sofas in civil aircraft. Tests were conducted with single and double occupants. The test conditions complied with the 16g 44 f/s horizontal impact specified in 14 CFR 25.562. Various side impact injury criteria were evaluated in the tests, including the Thoracic Trauma Index (TTI), Viscous Criteria (VC), rib deflection and pelvis acceleration.

The energy absorption characteristics of a stitched sandwich panel were investigated using experimental and analytical techniques. The structural stability aspects of the proposed mechanism were evaluated using the existing buckling and wrinkling theories. The effect of through-the-thickness stitches on the stability characteristics was investigated using finite element analysis. The configuration of the energy absorption mechanism was based on the stability analysis. The actual energy absorption process was characterized by conducting static crush tests. The experimental results indicated an increase in energy absorption capability with smaller stitch spacing and also resulted in smoother load deflection curves. A broad design guideline was developed for the design of a sandwich panel for energy absorption, based on stability analysis and experimental results.