Annex 6Annex 6

Annex 6

TEST PROCEDURE FOR CHECKING ENERGY DISSIPATION

1. Installation, test apparatus, recording instruments and procedure

1.1. Setting up

The seat, as mounted in the vehicle, shall be firmly secured to the test bench with the attachment parts provided by the manufacturer, so as to remain stationary when the impact is applied.

The seat‑back, if adjustable, shall be locked in the position specified in paragraph 6.1.1. of this Regulation.

If the seat is fitted with a head restraint, the head restraint shall be mounted on the seat‑back as in the vehicle. Where the head restraint is separate, it shall be secured to the part of the vehicle structure to which it is normally attached.

If the head restraint is adjustable, it shall be placed in the most unfavourable position allowed by its adjusting systems.

1.2. Test apparatus

1.2.1. This apparatus consists of a pendulum whose pivot is supported by ball‑bearings and whose reduced mass / at its centre of percussion is 6.8 kg. The lower extremity of the pendulum consists of a rigid headform 165 mm in diameter whose centre is identical with the centre of percussion of the pendulum.

1.2.2. The headform shall be fitted with two accelerometers and a speed‑measuring device, all capable of measuring values in the direction of impact.

1.3. Recording instruments

The recording instruments used shall be such that measurements can be made with the following degrees of accuracy:

1.3.1. Acceleration

accuracy = + 5 % of the actual value;

frequency class of data channel: class 600 corresponding to ISO Standard 6487 (1980);

cross‑axis sensitivity = < 5 % of the lowest point on the scale.

1.3.2. Speed:

accuracy: + 2.5 % of the actual value;

sensitivity: 0.5 km/h.

1.3.3. Time recording:

the instrumentation shall enable the action to be recorded throughout its duration and readings to be made to within one one‑thousandth of a second;

the beginning of the impact at the moment of first contact between the headform and the item being tested shall be detected on the recordings used for analysing the test.

1.4. Test procedure

1.4.1. Tests on the seat‑back

With the seat installed as indicated in paragraph 1.1. of this annex, the direction of impact from the rear towards the front shall be situated in a longitudinal plane at an angle of 45° from the vertical.

The impact points shall be selected by the test laboratory in area 1 as defined in paragraph 6.8.1.1. of this Regulation, or if necessary in area 2 as defined in paragraph 6.8.1.2. of this Regulation, on surfaces exhibiting radii of curvature less than 5 mm.