ISO 17949:2013/Amd 2:2018

Overview

ISO 17949:2013/Amd 2:2018 is an amendment to the international standard that specifies impact test procedures for road vehicles, focusing on the seating and positioning of anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs). This amendment updates the procedure for positioning the WorldSID 50th percentile male side-impact dummy in front outboard seating positions during side-impact testing. Published by ISO, this standard ensures a consistent and reproducible method to simulate occupant positioning for vehicle safety evaluations related to side-impact crashes.

Key Topics

• Seating and Positioning Procedures
  Detailed instructions are provided for placing and adjusting the vehicle test seat to replicate realistic human seating postures during impact tests. This positioning is critical for accurate and reliable side-impact dummy test results.

• WorldSID 50th Percentile Male Dummy
  The document focuses on the procedure for positioning the WorldSID dummy, representing an average adult male, in front outboard seats (driver or front passenger positions).

• Test Seat Placement

  • Adjustments using primary seat controls vertically, fore-aft, and pitch angle to set seat reference points precisely.
  • Midpoint calculations and seat track adjustments to define the appropriate seating position.
  • Recording seat placement data to ensure test repeatability.

• H-point Determination for Side-Impact Testing

  • Usage of the SAE H-point manikin to establish the dummy’s seating reference point (H-point) based on SAE J 826 procedures with modifications for 50th percentile measurements.
  • Seat back angle setting according to manufacturer specifications or standardized angle (23° ±1°).
  • Documentation of exact H-point coordinates (X, Y, Z).

Applications

• Vehicle Safety Testing
  Automotive manufacturers and testing laboratories can implement these procedures to conduct side-impact crash tests with the WorldSID dummy, which is widely recognized in regulatory and consumer safety evaluations.

• Crashworthiness Assessment
  Accurate dummy placement ensures reliable data collection on injury risk metrics during side-impact scenarios, improving evaluations of occupant protection systems such as side airbags, door structures, and seatbelt restraints.

• Research and Development
  Engineers use this standardized method during vehicle design and prototype testing phases to optimize seating ergonomics and improve overall road vehicle safety performance.

• Regulatory Compliance
  The amendment supports compliance with global safety regulations and standards that mandate use of fully specified anthropomorphic test devices and precise seating positions for side-impact crashworthiness testing.

Related Standards

• ISO 17949:2013
  The original standard detailing impact test procedures prior to this 2018 amendment.

• SAE J 826 – Device for Positioning the Drivers Seat Relative to the Steering System
  Basis for H-point measurement procedures referenced for dummy positioning.

• Other Anthropomorphic Test Device Standards
  Standards covering seating and positioning for various crash test dummies, including front-impact dummies and other side-impact dummy variants.

• Global Vehicle Safety Regulations
  Alignment with UNECE regulations and regional testing protocols that specify anthropomorphic test device usage and impact test methodologies.

By following ISO 17949:2013/Amd 2:2018, vehicle safety professionals ensure consistent, precise, and reproducible side-impact dummy positioning, enhancing test validity and ultimately contributing to improved occupant protection in real-world crashes. This amendment reinforces the importance of standardized anthropomorphic test device procedures within the automotive safety testing community.