Suitability of current side impact test dummies in far-side impacts

This study set out to compare the suitability of five current side impact test dummies to simulate that of a 50th percentile Post Mortem Human Subject (PMHS) in a far side impact crash configuration. A number of comparative crash tests were undertaken, involving a 50% PMILS and four current side impact crash test dummies (BioSIO, a BioSID with a lumbar spine modification, EuroSID, and WorldSIU) using the ECE95 test procedure at 65km/h. Crash test data were collected from full -scale crash tests conducted using a Holden Commodore: fitted with a 50% Post Mortem Human Subject (PMHS) and a BioSID and WorldSID test dummy in the driver seat. Additional crash test data were obtained using a similar full-scale validated sled test setup. The results demonstrate that the current WorldSID prototype and a BioSID dummy with a modified lumbar spine unit can provide reasonable simulations of occupant kinematics and injuries to help advance vehicle countermeasures. Further work is required to test the robustness and generality of these findings for improved far-side impact protection.