Mercedes-Benz has recently achieved a significant milestone in the automotive industry by carrying out the world’s inaugural crash test employing x-ray imaging technology. This groundbreaking test was conducted at the EMI research crash facility in Freiburg and demonstrated the remarkable capability of high-speed x-ray technology in capturing intricate internal deformation processes within an actual car.
During this pioneering demonstration, Mercedes-Benz outfitted the vehicle with a SID II dummy specifically designed to emulate the effects of a collision on a female anatomy. The x-ray imaging technology, which has undergone several years of development, utilizes a linear accelerator with photon energy of up to 9 megaelectron volts. This advancement allows for the comprehensive examination of all materials commonly utilized in vehicle construction, marking a significant advancement in automotive safety testing.
A notable feature of the x-ray system is the linear accelerator’s capacity to produce a continuous stream of x-ray pulses, resulting in approximately 1,000 images per second. This exceptional speed far surpasses the capabilities of conventional medical x-ray procedures and enhances the precision of internal imaging during crash tests.
Throughout the testing process, the x-ray beams penetrate the vehicle’s bodywork and any dummies from above, while a flat detector situated beneath the test vehicle captures the digital images. As the radiation reaches the detector, it generates an electrical signal, the intensity of which is determined by the previous absorption of radiation by the vehicle and dummy structure. This creates a grey value representation similar to the familiar x-ray images produced in airport security screenings or medical settings.
Following the momentous crash test, Mercedes-Benz affirmed the outstanding level of occupant protection achieved, with the crucial passenger cell and high-voltage battery of the tested vehicles remaining intact. This exceptional outcome underscores the effectiveness of Mercedes-Benz’s ongoing commitment to advancing automotive safety standards.
The successful integration of x-ray technology in crash testing marks a substantial technological leap forward for the automotive industry, providing unprecedented insights into vehicle safety performance and bolstering the development of advanced safety features. As Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the way in pioneering automotive innovations, the utilization of x-ray technology is poised to transform the future of crash testing and reinforce the brand’s steadfast dedication to driver and passenger safety.