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In order to quantify the dynamic restraint capability of a passenger airbag, a sub-system test method has been developed. The sub-system included a passenger airbag, an adjustable generic instrument panel (IP) and an adjustable windshield. The test was called the Passenger Air Bag Linear Impactor Test (PABLIT). This test method could be used for not only A to B comparisons, but also to evaluate the performance of any PAB module design in general, including performance variability of airbag systems. A variety of impactor, pendulum and drop tower test methods are currently used by inflatable restraint suppliers. PABLIT was aimed to standardize airbag testing and data analysis. Various production hardware designs were tested to investigate the characteristics of the sub-assemblies that provide restraint capability.

A sub-system test method for driver air bags has been established to quantify their dynamic restraint capability. The sub-system includes a driver airbag module as well as a steering wheel with rim supported. The test is called Driver Air Bag Linear Impactor Test – Dynamic (DABLIT-D). This test method can be used for not only A to B comparisons, but also for evaluating the performance of any DAB module design in general. A variety of impactor, pendulum and drop tower test methods are currently used at suppliers. DABLIT-D is aimed to standardize airbag testing. A DOE test series was done to determine the best test parameters. Production and prototype hardware were tested to investigate the characteristics of the sub-assemblies that provide restraint capability. A modification of the Weibull function was used to characterize the resultant data.