(BRIEF) Mercedes-Benz, in cooperation with Fraunhofer, conducts the world’s first X-ray crash test on a real car at the Ernst Mach Institute in Freiburg. This groundbreaking demonstration reveals internal deformation processes in hidden past accidents. providing valuable information to improve vehicle protection. Powered by a rugged linear accelerator, X-ray generation captures up to 1,000 high-resolution photographs per second, providing unprecedented analytical clarity. The luck of this test marks an important milestone in car protection. This demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation and occupant protection.
(PRESS RELEASE) STUTTGART/FREIBURG, March 13, 2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Witnessing a vehicle collide at 60 km/h with a loud bang is a moment of anticipation, even for the most experienced experts. The test conducted by Mercedes-Benz, one of the world’s most successful car manufacturers, at the Ernst Mach Institute (EMI) in Freiburg has added an unprecedented dimension to the crash test. In collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Mercedes-Benz Benz has achieved a remarkable feat: the world’s first X-ray twist of fate with a genuine car.
In this innovative demonstration, a rugged linear accelerator, functioning like an X-ray camera, captures each and every intricate detail of the collision process. The protective barrier collides with the orange C-Class sedan, while simultaneously, the linear throttle sends X-rays through the vehicle’s design and dummies. For the first time, all processes within the vehicle and its occupants become visible, offering valuable insights into deformations and dynamics hidden in the past.
“The reversal of fate for Mercedes-Benz X-rays marks a vital milestone in the progression equipment of the future. With a direct view of the hidden interior, vital conclusions can be drawn for the constant improvement of vehicle protection. In this way, Mercedes-Benz confirms its role as a pioneer in the field of protection in automotive engineering,” said Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer.
The successful X-ray accident not only reveals hitherto inaccessible data, but also provides a glimpse into the future of crash test generation. Malte Kurfiß, Head of the Crash Test Center at Fraunhofer EMI, highlighted: “The success of the X-ray collision provides us with valuable data to further optimize our generation and capture hitherto inaccessible data. Fraunhofer EMI thus continues its strategy of high-speed X-ray imaging to make dynamic processes visible.
By using ultra-short X-ray generation driven through a linear accelerator, up to 1000 high-resolution photographs consistent with the moment can be captured, offering unprecedented clarity and accuracy of analysis. This technological breakthrough allows researchers to practice detailed deformation processes without movement. Blur, greatly understanding the dynamics of destiny turning and occupant safety.
Professor Paul Vehicle Safety at Mercedes-Benz AG highlighted the transformative prospects of X-ray imaging: “The first twist of fate in X-ray in the world shows that X-ray generation can provide new and revealing information. We will be informed of what happens inside a vehicle and from the dummies in a twist of fate. X-ray photographs also offer the opportunity to improve the quality of virtual prototypes.
Safety has been at the forefront of Mercedes-Benz’s philosophy, as evidenced by its extensive accident control programs. From the first accident control in 1959 to the recent public demonstration of the collision of two all-electric vehicles, Mercedes-Benz continues to uphold its philosophy of “real safety”, ensuring the highest criteria for occupant protection, regardless of the transmission system.
Mercedes-Benz has recently carried out up to 900 collision checks per year and around 1,700 “sled checks” at the Sindelfingen Vehicle Safety Technology Centre. In this accident simulation, a control sled is accelerated and braked. A control object (vehicle hull or frame assembly) is attached to the sled and subjected to the forces generated in an actual car accident. These sled checks allow non-destructive testing of individual components, especially restraint systems such as seat belts.
And the world’s first public collision inspection in autumn 2023 between two all-electric vehicles proves that protection at Mercedes-Benz is focused on the drive system. The EQA and EQS SUV models collide in a real collision situation at a speed of 56 km/h. and a 50% overlap. The test confirms the maximum point of occupant protection: the passenger compartment and the high-voltage battery of both cars remain intact as intended, the doors can be opened and the high-voltage systems are automatically switched off. More information here.
While Mercedes-Benz is a pioneer in integrating X-ray generation into crash tests, the adventure towards greater vehicle protection is taking a big step forward, promising a long journey in which each and every facet of crash dynamics is meticulously understood and optimized.
About the Fraunhofer Institute for High Speed Dynamics, the Ernst Mach Institute (EMI)
The Fraunhofer EMI specialises in physics, engineering and informatics of rapid processes in experiments and simulations. The purpose is to scale up responses for commercial programs with reliability, safety, resilience, efficiency, and sustainability.
Fraunhofer EMI treats the phenomena of collision, effect and surprise waves in all tissues. With a holistic approach, the institute analyzes and optimizes the entire diversity of tissues and microstructures down to complex structures. Diversity of applications, from fabrics and parts to automobiles, aircraft, satellites, buildings, urban systems and infrastructure networks.
The Fraunhofer Society is the leading organisation for studies carried out in Europe. Under its umbrella there are 76 institutes and study centres in Germany. More than 30,000 employees generate an annual volume of studies of more than 2,900 million euros.
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SOURCE: Mercedes-Benz Group AG
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