Lee Walker

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR LOWER LATERAL FORCE ARMRESTS

During 1990 and 1991, a number of crash tests were experimentally conducted to help evaluate the then-new BIOSID advanced side impact dummy in relation to its durability and measurement capability. The BIOSID delta-deflection test procedure has made it possible to begin phasing in lower lateral force armrests in all Ford cars and trucks. The BIOSID dummy realistically indicates armrest lateral stiffness and therefore is the best tool currently available to assess armrest lateral stiffness in relation to abdominal injury potential. The BIOSID dummy may be used effectively to help develop lower lateral force armrests. The EUROSID-1 dummy also can be used to help indicate abdominal injury potential, although the injury potential has to be inferred from internal loading instead of direct compression and viscous criterion measurements.