COLLISION AREA

automotive testing, research, compliance standards, crash tests, test tracks.

The collision area consists of a specially designed, 600-square-metre building, to which is connected an 80-metre-long exterior acceleration ramp that can be used year-round because it is covered. A variety of crashes can be tested on the pads at each end of the ramp, especially when a lot of space is required.

The propulsion mechanism's electric motor allows attainment of a precise maximum speed of at least 80 km/h in either direction, for a specified maximum weight of about 7,000 kg. The building's interior is equipped with all the lighting necessary for high-speed photography. Camera trenches at each end of the ramp allow shots to be taken from beneath the vehicle during impacts.

The mass weight of the concrete wall used for frontal collisions is 180 tons. Auxiliary movables walls can be connected to it for angular or offset collision, or collisions with deformables structures. Different structures can also be erected to meet specific needs. A rollover apparatus completes the collision area test facilities.

Using these world-class facilities, PMG Technologies staff can conduct all the crash-compliance tests necessary to verify safety standards, as well as all kinds of impact research and development initiatives.

INSTRUMENTATION

The collision area's cabinets contain the full range of sensors, calibrated and ready for installation. All the sensors necessary for the various members of the PMG Technologies crash-test dummies (Family) are available and currently being used for different clients. In addition to these sensors are accelerometers, strain gauges, force and movement sensors, speed readers, etc., all for use in testing vehicles or components.

The system used to collect data generated during the test is just as important as the sensors themselves. For this reason, PMG Technologies has available for its clients a powerful Kayser-Threde data-logging system with more than 200-channel capacity, easily configurable and able to withstand the severity of this type of testing. This on-board apparatus features the most advanced technical qualities for a wide range of needs, including research testing that often generate significant quantities of data.

Because of its capacities, this apparatus can also be used for crashes on test surfaces other than those in the collision area itself.

IMPACTS ON TRACKS

The same instruments and data-logging devices used in the collision area are also available for this type of testing, as is the high-speed photographic coverage. The capacities of the logging systems, coupled with the expertise of PMG Technologies' technicians and engineers, ensure productive and effective test results. This combination of expertise and exceptional outdoor facilities allows a wide range of collision-testing programs to be conducted, including impacts involving guard rails and barriers, street light, sign panels, airport runway approach light towers and other vehicles.

When impact testing involves higher speeds or different kinds of vehicles or subject matter, the collision area can be extended onto the outdoor test surfaces available at PMG Technologies. The method of propulsion can differ according to the requirements of the test program. Either the test vehicle is being towed by another vehicle, or it is being self-driven by an automated on-board device, or a combination of the two. The size and diversity of the test services available also allows for relatively high impact speeds, as well as impacts between vehicles of considerable size all in total safety.

PHOTOGRAPHY

A collection of high-speed 16-mm cameras, able to shoot from 100 to 10,000 images per second, are available for all kinds of testing. Besides these cameras and depending on the client's needs, the collision area has color camcorders able to provide instant images of impacts.

High-speed photographic coverage of collision on the outdoor ramp or at the other test areas can be provided with the use of several specialized support vehicles and structures erected wherever necessary. PMG Technologies' staff are accustomed to installing cameras on subject vehicles, in order to provide full coverage of the movement of dummies or vehicle components during impact.