Pic. 1.18. Crash test (frontal impact)
Pic. 1.19. Crash test (side kick)
According to statistics, almost 25% of all serious and fatal injuries to passengers and drivers in accidents are caused by side impacts. That's why Mercedes-Benz engineers developed frontal impact crash tests (pic. 1.18) and side impacts (pic. 1.19), close to reality, and thus created the basis for the continuous optimization of passenger protection against such accidents in Mercedes models.
With the help of the new crash test, engineers simulate typical vehicle collisions in a particularly realistic way. The test is carried out using a movable structure, the deformation characteristics of which correspond to the front of the vehicle involved in the collision
In the new E-class, a whole range of measures has been taken to increase passive safety:
- 1. The structure of the bottom is reinforced under the front seats with mechanically resistant cross beams. There are elements of reinforcement of the middle tunnel and transverse connection of thresholds.
- 2. The driver and passenger seats have high lateral strength, proven in crash tests.
- 3. There are rigid support beams under the windshield and instrument panel.
- 4. The side of the new E-class car is reinforced with a three-profile middle pillar welded to the sills to create a strong connection between the roof and the bottom.
- 5. Under the rear seat and between the C-pillars, there are transverse support beams that provide high body strength in the rear area.
- 6. Deformation-resistant doors are additionally reinforced with pipes.
- 7. Foam under the inner door skin absorbs some of the impact energy and reduces the risk of chest injury. Non-deformable components, such as power window motors or audio system speakers, are out of the possible contact areas with a passenger in an accident.
Body safety requirements
In order for the body to meet all the requirements for a modern car, it must meet the following criteria.
Rigidity. At high speeds, forces arise that the body must resist in all conditions. Structural changes due to bending and buckling due to centrifugal forces can affect driving performance and affect safety. The hood and doors during the movement of the car should not be subjected to strong elastic deformations to maintain fit and tightness.
Deformation. As much collision energy as possible must be converted into deformation. The deformation absorbs the kinetic energy of the impact. The structure of the body parts must be deformed in a collision in such a way as to guarantee the least damage to the vehicle interior.
Aerodynamics. The behavior of the car in the air flow is an important prerequisite for high power and low fuel consumption. Thanks to good aerodynamics, air resistance and fuel consumption can be reduced with the same power. In addition, the aerodynamic shape of the body must ensure that «separation» car from the ground at high speeds.
Durability. Reliable body construction is just a step towards its durability. Effective corrosion protection and the use of materials with high corrosion resistance are also important. Only in this way can the functionality and reliability of the bodywork be guaranteed in the long term.
Ease of repair. It is necessary to guarantee the possibility of repairing and replacing individual damaged parts of the body while maintaining its geometric dimensions and the relative cheapness of these works.
vibration behavior. Acoustic vibrations and vibrations of the running gear, engine or gearbox must be compensated so that their effect is not transmitted to people sitting in the car.