Evaluation of the testing capabilities of the Q10 prototype dummy

Abstract

Research objective: The EPOCh project aimed to develop, test and evaluate a Q10 prototype dummy. The tests were split in three main groups. The research aims: (1) for restraint loading were to evaluate the response of the Q10 dummy to different test set-up conditions, (2) for sensitivity to seat design testing were to evaluate the response of the Q10 dummy to different child seat designs, for the durability testing were to evaluate how many tests the Q10 dummy could withstand before damages to occur, to create a maintenance checklist and to identify how frequently it should be checked during a test programme. Methodology: A test matrix was developed to assess the performance of the Q10 prototype dummy. As more than 250 tests were carried out in different crash laboratories and there were only two Q10 prototype dummies available a careful action-plan had to be established. Therefore, a Gantt chart had to be developed. Certification static tests were carried out. Then, tests to compare the P10 dummy with the developed Q10 prototype were carried out. Front impact tests using Reg. 44 were performed to check the dummy behaviour when submitted to an existing test procedure. Dynamic tests, following the NPACS side and front impact test procedures, were also conducted. Results: The certification tests showed that the Q10 prototype dummy correlates well with the biomechanical targets specified in the design brief. From the analysis carried out using the results from the Reg. 44 testing, was concluded that the Q10 dummy is sensitive to changes in the test setup. It was noted that the dummy detected differences in the kinematics and the loading in different setups. From the analysis of the results from the NPACS testing, which were the most severe tests across the testing program, was concluded that the Q10 dummy was capable of detecting differences in the child restraint design and in the test setup in both side and frontal impact tests. The dummy showed good repeatability from the durability front and side impact tests. It was concluded that the dummy is capable of producing repeatable results with up to 30 min recovery time for NPACS side impact tests. A NPACS 5 band scoring system was extended up to the Q10 dummy. Conclusion: The following conclusions can be made based on results of the front impact testing of the Q10: (1) The Q10 produced the expected loading in the important body regions, (2) the Q10 is capable of producing repeatable results in the important body regions, (3) the Q10 is capable of differentiating between different child restraint designs, (4) the Q10 NPACS scoring system has been expanded, to achieve a rating system, applicable to the Q10. © Springer-Verlag 2013.