Tata Motors, a development in automotive safety conducts a series of internal crash tests to ensure its vehicles are designed to strict safety standards. These tests play an important part in evaluating a car safety and protecting passengers in high-speed crashes. Notably, the Tata Safari SUV, model has recently achieved a remarkable 5-star safety rating from both GNCAP and Bharat NCAP, underscoring Tata's commitment to passenger safety.
Crash Test Process
A car crash test is a careful process where vehicles are intentionally crashed to evaluate their safety and their ability to protect occupants during high-speed collisions. This testing method was introdued by General Motors in 1934 and has since become a standard practice worldwide with various crash testing agencies, such as NCAPs, assessing car safety.
The process of conducting a crash test involves several stages that ensure thorough evaluation of the vehicle safety features. Initially, vehicles are not immediately crashed into barriers; instead, they undergo virtual assessments using computer simulations. These simulations assess the vehicle's Body in White (BIW), which is the basic frame of the vehicle without any doors, powertrain components, or interior trims.
Simulation Stage
Tata vehicles begin their crash test journey with an extensive simulation stage. Computer-aided Engineering (CAE) is used to subject the vehicle to various simulated tests including offset front, side impact, and road user protection evaluations. This detailed process allows Tata to identify and rectify any structural weaknesses or design before proceeding to the final crash test thereby saving valuable time and resources.
Sled Servo Acceleration Test
Following successful simulations, Tata vehicles undergo the sled acceleration test, a important step in evaluating the effectiveness of their restraint systems and interior trims. During this test, a cross section of the vehicle is placed on a platform called the 'servo acceleration platform'. This platform accelerates the cross section to a speed of 80 to 90 kmph generating an accident scenario effect to simulate a real-world accident scenario. Test participants inside the vehicle experience forces of up to 40G, replicating the inertia effects of a collision. This test is conducted multiple times to ensure the vehicle safety features are robust and effective.
The Final Test
The Tata's internal crash testing process involves subjecting a production-specification model to a full-scale crash test. In order to evaluate the vehicle's overall safety and occupant protection, it is tested by smashing it into a barrier at a set speed. A front offset barrier crash test was conducted on the Tata Safari to evaluate its safety features and overall performance under demanding circumstances.
Recording and Analysis
To capture the high-speed crash test, the test area is equipped with high-intensity lights and more than 10 high-speed cameras. These cameras record the event at 1000 frames per second ensuring every detail is captured with accuracy. Post-crash a team of engineers analyzes the data to assess the vehicle's performance and safety features. Once the vehicle has crashed, it will be meticulously inspected and scrapped according to safety standards.
The cost of a full car crash test, including setting up the crash zone and analyzing damages, typically ranges from Rs 15 to 20 lakh, excluding the cost of the vehicle itself. Tata is dedicated to safety and this is demonstrated by the fact that in addition to internal testing, external testing agencies rate the public safety of its cars. Tata's continuous commitment to quality in guaranteeing the safety of its cars on Indian roads is demonstrated by the 5-star safety rating of the Safari.