Mercedes-Benz recently made history by performing a groundbreaking crash test using high-speed x-ray imaging technology. This pioneering demonstration took place at the EMI research crash facility in Freiburg and showcased the ability of this cutting-edge technology to visualize internal deformation processes during a crash.
During the test, a SID II dummy with a female anatomy was positioned on the left-hand side facing the impact. This specialized dummy is designed for side impact tests and allowed researchers to gather valuable data on the impact of the crash. The development of this technology has been ongoing for several years, with a recent breakthrough involving the use of a linear accelerator with photon energy up to 9 megaelectron volts.
The linear accelerator emits a continuous stream of x-ray pulses, up to 1,000 images per second, offering a vastly improved imaging capability compared to conventional medical x-ray procedures. During the crash test, the x-ray beams passed through the vehicle bodywork and dummies from above, with a flat detector located underneath serving as a receiver for digital images.
The data collected from this test confirmed the effectiveness of Mercedes-Benz’s safety features, highlighting the integrity of the passenger cell and high-voltage battery after the crash. This innovative use of x-ray imaging technology opens up new possibilities for improving vehicle safety and crash testing procedures in the future.
