Sensitivity of the Q‐Series Abdominal Pressure Twin Sensors to Loading Type and Position in Dynamic Restraint System Loading Tests

The Abdominal Pressure Twin Sensors (APTS) were developed to measure restraint system loading to the abdomen of the Q‐Series dummies in front impact tests. The sensors were found not to influence the response of the abdomen in moderate‐rate belt compression tests using a material testing machine [1]. In the same tests, the APTS were also found to be sensitive to restraint loading type and position [1‐2]. Appropriate sensitivity is likely to be desirable in discriminating differences in protection between child restraint systems. A material testing machine provides a very controlled means of loading the abdomen in order to characterize its response. However, it may not replicate the effects of jerk loading typical of a dynamic collision event. This short communication describes a series of restraint loading tests in which the test device provided a high‐rate dynamic, yet controlled, restraint system input to the abdomen. The aim was to bridge the gap between the previously reported moderate‐rate tests and full sled tests in order to understand the sensitivity of the APTS to loading type and position.