MGA’s Approach to Airbag Sensor Testing and Safety Validation

MGA’s Wisconsin Proving Grounds

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Following the acquisition of proving grounds in 1988, MGA’s Wisconsin location has been performing airbag sensor abuse testing on 10 miles of constantly evolving test track within our 400 acre proving grounds. With an extensive variety of surfaces and obstacles, many automotive manufacturers have trusted MGA to test their current and upcoming vehicles in a controlled environment.

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This form of testing is conducted with the purpose of gathering data from a variety of different impacts and obstacles to create an airbag deployment algorithm that can accurately discern between a normal driving event from  a crash event. MGA has been developing new methods for gathering unique data from the conception of our sensor abuse program, and we continue to expand our scope of work to adapt to the industry’s latest technological advancements and requirements.

Uniquely, we have the ability to design and develop new test features independently to adapt to new test modes. From refining new prototypes to improving existing vehicle software, MGA has established a trustworthy reputation through decades of experience. 

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Real-World Impact Simulations 

MGA offers a variety of static impacts and dynamic driving events aimed at gathering airbag sensor data in support of helping automakers refine their airbag algorithms. 

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Examples of static impacts:

• Semi-truck tire explosions 
• Bicycle, shopping cart, and ball impacts
• Hammer and power tool strikes
• Door slams

These tests simulate real-world events where there is an inadvertent strike to locations near critical sensors while the vehicle remains stationary.

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Dynamic impacts involve driving tests on MGA’s testing grounds. 

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Examples of dynamic impacts:

• Curb impacts
• Simulated animal impacts
• Heavy acceleration braking events
• Driving events on approximately 50 unique road surfaces

For heavier dynamic impacts where a driver cannot be present, MGA offers driving robots and outdoor rail testing to guide the vehicle at high velocity into a variety of obstacles and barriers.

Steer Induced Rollover and Immunity Testing

‍Steer Induced Rollover and Immunity testing utilizes MGA’s 4.5-acre skid pad   to recreate real-world evasive driving scenarios. Although both modes of testing have similar goals, Steer Induced Rollover testing utilizes a steering robot in the absence of a human driver. The use of a steering robot  allows the vehicle to slide perpendicularly into a dirt pit at high velocity to induce a roll event. Steer Induced Rollover testing has been one of the most quickly developing areas for MGA’s sensor abuse team. For more information on this test mode, please visit MGA Advances Crash And Rollover Testing With Steering Robot - MGA Research.Like Steer Induced Rollover, Immunity testing also involves finding the limits of a vehicle at high speed, but  MGA drivers can safely remain in the vehicle throughout the maneuver . This testing ensures that there will be no rollover response from the vehicle during aggressive dynamic driving events.

‍Examples include:

• Fishhooks
• Quick lane changes
• Opposing ramps
• Evasive driving maneuvers

For more dynamic rollover needs, MGA also performs Ramp, Soil, Curb, and Ditch testing  with a higher degree of precision and repeatability. More information can be found about this topic at MGA Rollover Protection Development - MGA Research. 

‍MGA’s dedication to advancing vehicle safety through rigorous testing methodologies and innovative technologies has positioned us as a trusted partner in the automotive industry. By providing a versatile testing environment paired with decades of experience, MGA continues to lead the way in sensor abuse testing and safety research. For all sensor abuse testing, MGA can provide instrumentation, CAN data collection, unlimited channel count and 20kHz+ recording frequency. Vehicles can be repaired throughout testing in secure work areas. For additional information on MGA’s sensor abuse program, please fill out our contact form on our website and we will be in touch with you shortly!