Abstract
Keywords - Easy use, High precision positioning, Repeatable propulsion system, Cost effective, Same propulsion system for all the impact forms
Abstract - With test regulations expected in effect by 2005 there is a strong need for the automotive industry to assess the aggressiveness of a vehicle on pedestrians in the event of a head-on collision. One thing that becomes clear to the test engineer is the need for a dedicated test system designed specifically for the purpose.
ARIES INGENIERIA Y SISTEMAS S.A. has developed a system to effectively and with highest precision perform tests according to the proposed test protocols by EEVC WG17 and EuroNCAP. The impact form is launched at free flight implicating the use of an algorithm for compensating for the gravity effect on the impact form between release and impact. The complete pre-test sequence will consider the type of impact form, impact form mass, launch angle, impact angle, local angle of impact location, impact speed and the free flight distance. The ARIES P-1N system can launch the impact forms at angles between -5º to 90º, and launch between 300-2300 mm in the vertical position and +1000 mm in x and y-axis directions.
When launching the headforms care is taken to the target location geometric and the underlying structure to determine the point of first impact. ARIES is using an integrated positioning system to translate the car coordinates into the test system coordinates for correct alignment of vehicle vs. test system thus achieving the desired impact point and impact velocity vector.
One important feature of the ARIES P-1N system is the long propulsion distance for the impact forms to maintain low acceleration levels. It is of great importance to maintain low g-levels during the launch sequence to avoid deforming and bending the impact form prior to impact, something that can occur with systems using a shorter acceleration distance.
Pedestrian impact testing requires many different impact configurations, calling for a flexible test system. The ARIES P-1N is designed to use the same propulsion system for all impact forms with maintained precision and repeatability. This feature will prove to be both cost-effective and productive to the end-user.