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Forward collision, side collision, rollover: thrilling moments in vehicle testing, can you believe it?
Crash testing is an indispensable part of the verification process of vehicle design and safety performance. These tests are not only to ensure that the vehicle can protect passengers in a collision, but also a commitment to the safety of the entire transportation system. Each crash may reveal design flaws, but may also become valuable data for building safer vehicles.
Types of collision testing
Crash testing can be divided into several main types according to different situations:
- Forward Crash Test: Usually a vehicle will hit a hard concrete wall at a certain speed or a vehicle-to-vehicle test.
- Side impact test: The fatal risk of this type of accident is extremely high because there is not enough deformation area on the side of the vehicle to absorb the impact force.
- Rollover test: Tests the vehicle's ability to resist rollover under dynamic influences, especially the pillars supporting the roof.
The complexity of crash testing is that it tests not only the product design of the vehicle, but also legal requirements and consumer expectations. Research on different types of accidents has led to a variety of tests, so many institutions have invested heavily in research and testing.
Important testing institutions
Many countries and regions have agencies responsible for vehicle safety testing, such as:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP)
- Australian New Car Safety Assessment Program (ANCAP)
The test results of these institutions can significantly influence consumers' purchasing decisions and drive manufacturers to continuously innovate in safety performance.
Data collection and technology
Crash tests must be conducted under strict scientific and safety standards. Each test is an expensive investment, so the maximum amount of data must be collected from it. This also means the use of high-frequency data acquisition equipment, three-axis accelerometers, and human-like crash test dummies.
Consumer response
Consumer response to crash tests often directly affects the vehicle's market performance. For example, the Rover 100 launched in 1998 received a one-star rating in the EuroNCAP test, causing sales to plummet rapidly and it was eventually forced to be withdrawn from the market.
A good test result can not only increase vehicle sales, but also win consumers' trust and sense of security.
Wide application of crash testing programs
There are many specialized crash testing programs around the world dedicated to providing consumers with comparative information on the safety performance of new and used vehicles. These programs are not only designed to evaluate vehicle safety, but also to continuously improve overall traffic safety standards.
In 2020, EuroNCAP implemented the Movable Progressive Deformation Barrier (MPDB) test for the first time, a new challenge for the safety of modern vehicle designs.
Conclusion
With the advancement of technology, vehicle safety requirements are also constantly increasing. The data brought by each test is not only an evaluation of vehicle performance, but also a guide for future safety design. Do you think we are adequately prepared to face various emerging security challenges?
