Danger to life and limb

The author describes his visit to TRL, UK. He saw an artificial leg developed to help test highly sensitive vehicular systems for the safety of pedestrians. It is made of a gel-like substance that mimics the elasticity of human flesh and will be rammed at high speed into a vehicle to test sensors in the bumper that pop the bonnet up to help protect a pedestrian's body from hitting hard structures such as cylinder heads. The 'leg' has a bone structure that can be replaced if it snaps during testing. TRL has also developed a crash-test dummy for the rail industry. This has added sensors and design features around the abdomen as the impact of the table edge has to be considered. TRL researchers are also examining the impact of the way that people drive on emissions and fuel consumption. This research is being used to help develop more realistic emissions test cycles based on a more aggressive driving style.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09536639
• Authors:
  • HARGREAVES, B
• Publication Date: 2007-5-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 22-3
• Serial:
  • PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING
  • Volume: 20
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: WOODBRIDGE PRESS
  • ISSN: 0953-6639

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Impact tests; Pedestrians; Research projects; Safety; Sensors
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 1648: Impact test (crash); 1733: Pedestrian; 8557: Research project; 1665: Safety; 8119: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Energy; Environment; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I15: Environment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety; I95: Vehicle Inspection;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01076146
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Sep 18 2007 10:00AM