High Speed Rollover Excursion Studies
High Speed Rollover Excursion Studies
In order to develop a more complete understanding of vehicle occupant kinematics in a rollover crash, dynamic testing is often required. SAFE Laboratories has developed a high speed rollover testing fixture which makes it possible to study dynamic occupant excursion in an efficient and repeatable manner. A test vehicle buck is mounted into a rotating fixture which is driven by a precisely controlled electric motor. The fixture can be accelerated to speeds of up to 720 degrees per second and beyond. A Hybrid ATD (test dummy) can be placed inside the vehicle buck, and an extensive variety of sensors and photography equipment may be installed to suit any testing needs. Onboard equipment can be activated at any time during the test. For example, a seatbelt pretensioner can be deployed when a specified roll angle or rotational velocity is reached. Alternative restraint designs can be installed allowing for study of changes in occupant kinematics resulting from different restraint designs conditions. Data and video collected from the fixture provide a complete assessment of occupant motions during the test. State of the art motion tracking software can be applied to the video footage to obtain a data trace of occupant motion throughout the test without any physical instrument contact with the ATD.
“Partnering with SAFE Laboratories transformed how we approach crash testing. Their expansive facility, from the crash lab to the precision machine shop, ensured our high-speed rollover tests were executed flawlessly—and safely. The team’s dedication to regulatory standards and innovative methods gave us invaluable confidence in our safety validations.”
“SAFE Laboratories delivers unmatched depth in forensic automotive analysis. Their expertise in seat back strength testing and advanced instrumentation helped us uncover critical insights in a high-stakes case. Their meticulous work not only advanced the investigation but also sharpened our preventive strategies moving forward.”
“As a researcher, collaborating with SAFE was a game-changer. The facility’s scope—crash facilities, extensive storage, machining capabilities—combined with their deep regulatory knowledge and technical precision, allowed us to conduct comprehensive automotive safety studies with accuracy and efficiency unmatched in the region.”