Sled test apparatus and method for simulating pre-impact crash event

The present invention relates generally to a crash testing apparatus and, more particularly, to device capable of simulating one or both of pre-impact conditions and vehicle crash conditions. The present invention provides a method and device for simulating impact conditions which has a test sled , simulated occupant (), and a pre-impact force-generating device. The pre-impact force-generating device can apply force directly to the simulated occupant being (), thereby overcoming many of the cost problems associated with applying a low and long duration force directly to a test sled (). The pre-impact force-generating device can be designed such that instead of providing a low and long duration force to a simulated occupant (), it provides a short and high impact force to the simulated occupant (). An impact force-generating device provides impact force directly to the sled () which simulates impact conditions.