Description / Abstract:
This SAE Recommended Practice establishes uniform test procedures for
evaluating vehicle hood latch
systems. It specifically pertains to those latch systems on hoods,
which when the hood is fully
opened (assuming the absence of hood stops) extend at any point above
a horizontal plane through
the uppermost edge of the steering wheel in the straight ahead driving
position with the vehicle in
a horizontal position.
The following optional tests are described.
a. Vehicle Performance Tests - On-the-road evaluation under an
established pattern of vehicle
driving situations.
b. Laboratory Dynamic Tests - Dynamic simulation in the laboratory of
the loads and forces which
the latch system encounters on the road.
c. Laboratory Static Tests - Simplified test procedures intended to
permit static simulation of the
loads which road tests have indicated the latch system may encounter.
The test procedures outlined in this recommended practice are based on
current engineering test
methods. It is intended that all portions of this report will be
periodically reviewed and revised
as additional knowledge regarding vehicle hood latch system
performance under dynamic conditions is
developed.