Side Impact Shoulder for the Q10 Dummy – Design and Evaluation

The Q-Series dummies have been introduced into regulatory testing. Euro NCAP is also reviewing its child protection assessment procedures, possibly to include a Q10 in full-scale side impact testing. Full-scale lateral applications call for a better understanding of the side impact biofidelity of the Q10. To address this need, objectives were set to develop a side impact upgrade kit for the Q10 and evaluate the whole body biofidelity performance of the Q10 according to size-appropriate requirements. A prototype Q10 shoulder and arm side impact kit was designed and manufactured, incorporating the addition of a shoulder load cell. The performance of the Q10, with and without the side impact shoulder kit, was then evaluated via scaled sled tests and pendulum impacts to the shoulder. The responses were compared with newly scaled biofidelity requirements. The results demonstrate the benefit of the updated shoulder parts. Whilst the shoulder and arm side impact kit provides an improvement over the existing Q10 design with regard to performance in direct loading, the Q10 is not a dedicated device for side impact testing. As a consequence, the responses, even with the side impact shoulder kit, do not meet the biofidelity targets, remaining too stiff, particularly the pelvis.