Evaluation of the BioSid dummy : mdb-to-car left side impact test of a 27˚ crabbed moving deformable barrier into a Calspan RSV 5-door hatchback at 38.9 mph

Sankey, J. · 1991 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This report documents a crash test conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to evaluate the response of side impact dummies in a moving deformable barrier (MDB) into stationary vehicle collision. The study aimed to assess occupant kinematics and injury criteria at an impact velocity exceeding Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 214 specifications. The test simulated a 90-degree intersection collision, with the striking vehicle traveling at 35 mph and the struck vehicle at 17.5 mph. The experiment was performed on June 4, 1991, at the TRC Crash Test Facility in East Liberty, Ohio. A stationary Calspan RSV 5-door hatchback was impacted on the left side by an MDB traveling at 38.9 mph. The barrier was crabbed 27 degrees clockwise to simulate the collision angle. Two instrumented dummies were positioned in the vehicle: a BIOSID dummy in the driver’s seat, restrained by a lap belt, and a Part 572 Subpart F dummy in the left rear seat, restrained by a three-point unibelt. The test vehicle weighed 3,273 pounds, and the MDB weighed 3,004 pounds. Data collection included accelerometer readings from the vehicle and detailed kinematic measurements from the dummies, including head, spine, rib, and pelvis accelerations. The results indicated significant occupant loading. The driver’s BIOSID dummy recorded a Head Injury Criteria (HIC) of 748 and a Thoracic Trauma Index (TTI) of 55. The left rear passenger dummy recorded a higher HIC of 808 and a TTI of 80. Kinematic analysis showed that upon impact, the driver’s head rotated left, contacting the headliner and B-pillar, while the torso rotated right, restrained by the lap belt. The rear passenger’s head impacted the headliner and C-pillar, with the torso rotating right and being restrained by the three-point belt. Both dummies’ legs contacted the inner door panels. Vehicle damage included 7.5 inches of maximum crush, shattered left door glass, and a cracked windshield. The study provides empirical data on dummy responses in side impact scenarios at velocities higher than standard regulatory tests. By documenting specific injury metrics and kinematic behaviors for both front and rear occupants, the report contributes to the understanding of side impact protection and the performance of side impact dummies under severe crash conditions. The findings highlight the substantial forces experienced by occupants, particularly in the rear seating position, offering insights for vehicle safety design and dummy validation.

Key finding

The driver dummy recorded a Head Injury Criteria of 748 and a Thoracic Trauma Index of 55, while the left rear passenger dummy recorded a Head Injury Criteria of 808 and a Thoracic Trauma Index of 80.

Methodology

simulator

Sample size: 2

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

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• naturalistic crash near crash

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: standards test procedures