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A collaborative project team including Faurecia, DaimlerChrysler and Siemens VDO has developed a pre-crash system actuated by smart metals.

The research is part of the advanced protection systems (APROSYS) programme, a European project to reduce road fatalities by improved passive safety.

Development of the pre-crash system is part of sub-project 6: Intelligent Safety systems. It requires a method of improving the structural behaviour of passenger cars during side impact events.

Studies using a Radioss FE model and crash test data for a Chrysler Neon car found that the best way to reduce deformation of the B-pillar was to connect it to unloaded areas of the body, away from the point of impact. Crash energy is then distributed more evenly throughout the structure.

This is done using a tubular structure integrated into the seat. Extending a bolt from the seat to the door creates a rigid mechanical connection. A wire made from a shape memory alloy (SMA) releases the bolt.

When heated to a controlled temperature, the SMA wire shrinks, allowing a mechanism to deploy the bolt quickly.

Crash simulations showed reduced deformation of the B-pillar and door. Limiting their intrusion into the passenger cell would reduce the severity of any injuries to the occupants.