Laboratory Testing for Evaluation of Passenger Car Roof Intrusion Resistance Strength

A test facility and procedure have been developed for use in evaluating passenger car roof intrusion resistance strength in the laboratory. This facility and procedure produce reliable and repeatable data which permit numerical comparison of separate test bodies or vehicles and automatically indicate performance through the use of a X,Y,Y plotter.

The test facility consists of three parts: an adjustable structural frame for supporting the test unit in position for test, a hydraulic loading system for applying the load, and instrumentation for lead and placement readout. A complete description of the facility is presented, with emphasis on the advantages of dual readout of data. The test procedure is also detailed, with description of sample preparation, mounting the test unit, and the graphical addition of curves.