Use of MEMS sensors for data acquisition in crash tests

Abstract

Crash tests are part of vehicle testing programs that help manufacturers to produce safer cars. Most crash tests use real vehicles instrumented with many sensors that measures speed, forces or accelerations. In tests, the human body, be it pedestrian or vehicle occupant, is replaced with a dummy, also instrumented with sensors. The sensors used today are realized as MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), with a technology that allow them to be affordable and versatile. Some recommendations regarding vehicle instrumentation for impact tests, including data process-ing, are included in the SAE J211 standard, where also other descriptions of crash analysis criteria are available. This paper is based on the recommendations given in literature and crash tests per-formed at Transilvania University of Brasov, using dedicated equipment (with MEMS sensors) from well known suppliers and originally designed.