Surrogate tests provide response, not loading, while computational models have proven to be extremely difficult and have not yet been validated. Further understanding of the relation between the air bag deployment characteristics and the resulting loading is essential in the evaluation of future air bag modifications. Conduct tests under varying inflation rates and target position and analyze the results to determine the relation between the loading and the target response. The repeatable air bag test device has been successfully designed and built. The device was checked against existing air bag deployment data.
Preliminary results are currently under evaluation.
Analysis of existing helmet test data has been completed. Helmet testing with increased instrumentation to define load transmission and distribution has been completed. A report is currently under review.