Vehicle Crash Testing by Serena Vaughn

Vehicle Crash Testing explores the science and engineering behind automotive safety, detailing how crash tests protect vehicle occupants during collisions. It delves into impact dynamics, material science, and biomechanics to reveal the processes informing vehicle design and safety regulations. Early crash tests were observational, but the need for quantifiable data led to instrumented dummies. The book examines the evolution of crash test methodologies, from rudimentary experiments to sophisticated virtual simulations, highlighting how advancements in sensor technology and computer modeling have revolutionized accuracy.

The book emphasizes that comprehensive crash testing, coupled with continuous research, forms the bedrock of improved vehicle safety. Crash test data directly influences vehicle design, leading to safer structures and advanced restraint systems. It analyzes various crash test scenarios, including frontal, side, rear, and rollover impacts. A key focus is the human body's response to impact forces, examining common injury mechanisms and the development of injury criteria. The book progresses from a historical overview to core principles and concludes with emerging technologies and future trends.