SURFACE J1733

ISSUED
DEC94
VEHICLE
400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001
INFORMATION Issued 1994-12
REPORT
Submitted for recognition as an American National Standard

SIGN CONVENTION FOR VEHICLE CRASH TESTING

Foreword—This Document has not changed other than to put it into the new SAE Technical Standards Board
Format.

1. Scope—In order to compare test results obtained from different crash test facilities, standardized coordinate
systems need to be defined for crash test dummies, vehicle structures, and laboratory fixtures. In addition,
recorded polarities for various transducer outputs need to be defined relative to positive directions of the
appropriate coordinate systems. This SAE Information Report describes the standardized sign convention
and recorded output polarities for various transducers used in crash testing.

2. References

2.1 Applicable Publications—The following publications form a part of the specification to the extent specified
herein. Unless otherwise indicated the latest revision of SAE publications shall apply.

2.1.1 SAE PUBLICATIONS—Available from SAE, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001.

SAE J211—Instrumentation for Impact Test

SAE J670—Vehicle Dynamics Terminology
SAE J1594—Vehicle Aerodynamics Terminology
SAE J2052—Test Device Head Contact Duration Analysis

3. Right-Handed Coordinate System—A right-handed coordinate system consists of an ordered set of three
mutually perpendicular axes (x, y, z) which have a common origin and whose positive directions point in the
same directions as the ordered set of the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger of the right hand when
positioned as shown in Figure 1. One can choose the positive x-axis to point in the direction of either the
thumb, forefinger, or middle finger as shown in the configurations 1, 2, and 3 of Figure 1. However, once this
decision is made then the positive directions of the y and z axes must be as indicated by the corresponding
configuration shown in Figure 1. Note that these three configurations of x, y, and z axes always define a right-
handed coordinate system independent of the orientation of the hand in space. To assure consistent vector
directions of moments and angular velocities and accelerations calculated by vector multiplications all
coordinate systems used in vehicle testing will be "right-handed". Sections 4 and 5 will define standardized
orientations of coordinate systems for the vehicle and dummy, respectively.

SAE Technical Standards Board Rules provide that: “This report is published by SAE to advance the state of technical and engineering sciences. The use of this report is entirely
voluntary, and its applicability and suitability for any particular use, including any patent infringement arising therefrom, is the sole responsibility of the user.”

SAE reviews each technical report at least every five years at which time it may be reaffirmed, revised, or cancelled. SAE invites your written comments and suggestions.

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Copyright 1994 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.

All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
 SAE J1733 Issued DEC94

Positive angular motion and moment directions are determined by the right-handed screw rule. If any of the
three positive axes is grasped with the right hand with the thumb extended in the positive direction, as shown in
Figure 2 for the x-axis, then the curl of the fingers indicate the positive direction for angular motions and
moments with respect to that axis.

FIGURE 1—THE THREE POSSIBLE CONFIGURATIONS OF A RIGHT-HANDED COORDINATE

SYSTEM RELATIVE TO THE THUMB, FOREFINGER, AND MIDDLE FINGER OF THE RIGHT HAND

FIGURE 2—RIGHT-HANDED SCREW RULE

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A simple method to determine if a coordinate system is right-handed is to rotate the system 90 degrees about
any of one of its positive axes using the right-handed screw rule. For a positive 90 degrees rotation about the
+x-axis, the coordinate system is right-handed if the +y-axis rotates to the position previously occupied by the
+z-axis. For a positive 90 degrees rotation about the +y-axis, the coordinate system is right-handed if the +z-
axis rotates to the position previously occupied by the +x-axis. For a positive 90 degrees rotation about the +z-
axis, the coordinate system is right-handed if the +x-axis rotates to the position previously occupied by the +y-
axis.

4. Vehicle Coordinate Systems—Vehicle coordinate systems will be consistent with the orientations specified in
SAE J670 and SAE J1594. These orientations are shown in Figures 3 and 4, respectively. For structures
within the vehicle that have a principle axis of motion such as the steering wheel column, the vehicle coordinate
system may be rotated about the y-axis such that the +x-axis or +z-axis is directed along the column axis.

FIGURE 3—VEHICLE DYNAMICS COORDINATE SYSTEM—SAE J760

FIGURE 4—VEHICLE AERODYNAMICS COORDINATE SYSTEM—SAE J1594

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5. Dummy Coordinate Systems—The definition of the dummy coordinate system given in SAE J211 will be
used. A coordinate system can be affixed to any point on the dummy. The coordinate system will translate
and/or rotate with the dummy part to which it is attached during the test. To define standard orientations of the
coordinate axes, the dummy will always be considered as standing erect. For this posture, the +x-axis will be
directed forward, the +y-axis will be directed from the dummy's left to its right side and the +z-axis will be
directed downward from head to toe. In anatomical terminology, the +x-axis is directed from posterior to
anterior (P-A), the +y-axis is directed from left to right (L-R), and the +z-axis is directed from superior to inferior
(S-I). Figure 5 shows examples of this standardized orientation for coordinate systems attached to a few body
points. Note that as the dummy is articulated to sit in a vehicle or during a test the coordinate systems rotate
with their respective dummy parts.

FIGURE 5—ORIENTATIONS OF STANDARDIZED DUMMY COORDINATE SYSTEMS FOR

STANDING AND SEATED POSTURES

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6. Standard Polarities for Recorded Dummy Measurements

6.1 Polarities of Acceleration, Velocity, and Displacement—Positive recorded outputs for these transducers
are to be consistent with the positive axes of the coordinate system defined for the specific dummy or vehicle
point being measured. In general, for any dummy component oriented in its standard standing position, blows
to its back side, left side, and top will produce positive accelerations relative to its +x, +y, and +z directions,
respectively. As illustrated in Figure 6, a blow to the back of the dummy's head produces an acceleration in the
forward direction (+x) which should be recorded as a positive acceleration. A blow to the top of the head
produces a +z acceleration. A blow to the left side of the head produces a +y acceleration. Note that since the
SID dummy is only instrumented to measure accelerations, the polarities of its transducers are determined by
the methods described in this section.

FIGURE 6—HEAD IMPACT DIRECTIONS THAT PRODUCE POSITIVE HEAD ACCELERATIONS

RELATIVE TO THE HEAD COORDINATE SYSTEM

For relative displacement of body parts, the coordinate system of interest must be defined. For example,
frontal chest compression is the distance that the sternum moves relative to the thoracic spine. In this case,
the coordinate system is fixed to the thoracic spine. When the sternum moves closer to the spine, its
displacement is rearward relative to the spine which is in the negative x-direction. Hence, the polarity for chest
compression is negative. For lateral chest compression, a blow to the left side of the chest produces a positive
displacement of the impacted ribs relative to the thoracic spine. However, a blow to the right side of the chest
produces a negative rib displacement. The directions of these chest compressions are illustrated in Figure 7.
The rearward displacement of the tibia relative to the femur that is measured by the knee shear transducer is in
the negative x-direction. The polarity for this motion is negative.

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FIGURE 7—DIRECTIONS OF FRONTAL AND LATERAL CHEST COMPRESSIONS

6.2 Polarities of Measured External Loads—For load cells that measure loads applied directly to the dummy or
vehicle structure, their recorded output polarities should be consistent with the direction of the applied external
load referenced to the standardized coordinate system at the point of the load application. For example, load
cells that measure shoulder belt loading of the clavicle are designed to measure Fx and Fz applied to the
clavicle. The rearward (-x) component of the shoulder belt force applied to the clavicle should be recorded with
a negative polarity. The downward (-z) component should have a positive polarity. For the BIOSID, a lateral
inward load applied to the crest of the left illium (+y) would be positive, while a lateral inward load applied to the
crest of the right ilium (-y) would be negative.

6.3 Polarities of Measured Internal Loads—Defining recorded output polarities for load cells that measure loads
internal to the dummy requires a standardized dummy sectioning scheme and a definition of what sectioned
dummy part is to be loaded in the positive direction since internal loads occur in pairs of equal magnitudes but
opposite directions. The standardized sectioning scheme is illustrated by the free-body diagram of a cube
shown in Figure 8. It is assumed that the load cell of interest is contained within the cube and responds to
loads applied to the surfaces of the cube. Load cell outputs should be recorded with positive polarities when
normal loads, shear loads, torques, or moments are applied in the positive direction, as defined by the
standardized coordinate system, to the right, front, and/or bottom surfaces of the cube. These loads are
represented by solid arrows. For static equilibrium, equal magnitude but opposite direction loads (negative)
must be applied to the left, back, and/or top surfaces of the cube as indicated by the dashed arrows.

For example, upper and lower neck, lumbar spine, and upper and lower tibia load cells should have positive
recorded outputs when the dummy is sectioned below the load cell in question and positive loads are applied
to the bottom surface of the sectioned body part that contains the load cell in question. Dummy manipulations
for checking the recorded polarities of the outputs of various transducers are given in Section 7. Free-body
diagrams for specific dummy load cells showing the load systems that produce the required outputs that should
be recorded with the specified polarities are given in Section 8.

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FIGURE 8—FREE-BODY DIAGRAM OF A SECTIONED DUMMY PART CONTAINING THE LOAD CELL
OF INTEREST (ILLUSTRATED AS A CUBE). PRINCIPLE AXES OF LOAD CELL ALIGNED PARALLEL TO
RESPECTIVE AXES OF LOCAL DUMMY COORDINATE SYSTEM. BOLD ARROWS OF NORMAL FORCES (F),
SHEAR FORCES (S), AND MOMENTS (M) SHOWN IN POSITIVE DIRECTIONS AND APPLIED TO THE FRONT,
RIGHT, AND BOTTOM SURFACES OF THE CUBE. DOTTED ARROWS INDICATE DIRECTION OF LOADS
APPLIED TO THE BACK, LEFT, AND TOP SURFACES FOR STATIC EQUILIBRIUM. ALL LOAD CELL OUTPUTS
FOR THIS LOAD SYSTEM TO BE RECORDED WITH POSITIVE POLARITIES.

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7. Dummy Manipulations for Checking Polarities of Measured Loads—Table 1 contains descriptions of

dummy manipulations that can be used to verify the correctness of the polarities of recorded outputs for some
of the more common load cells used in dummies.

TABLE 1—DUMMY MANIPULATIONS FOR CHECKING RECORDED LOAD CELL

POLARITY RELATIVE TO SIGN CONVENTION
Load Cell Measure Dummy Manipulations Polarity
Upper Fx Head Rearward, Chest Forward +
and Fy Head Leftward, Chest Rightward +
Lower Fz Head Upward, Chest Downward +
Neck Mx Left Ear Toward Left Shoulder +
Loads My Chin Toward Sternum +
Mz Chin Toward Left Shoulder +

Left Shoulder Fx Left Shoulder Forward, Chest Rearward +

Loads (BIOSID) Fy Left Shoulder Rightward, Chest Leftward +
Fz Left Shoulder Downward, Chest Upward +

Right Shoulder Fx Right Shoulder Forward, Chest Rearward +

Loads (BIOSID) Fy Right Shoulder Rightward, Chest Leftward +
Fz Right Shoulder Downward, Chest Upward +

Clavicle Fx Shoulder Forward, Chest Rearward +

Loads Fz Shoulder Downward, Chest Upward +

Upper Fx Chest Rearward, Pelvis Forward +

and Fy Chest Leftward, Pelvis Rightward +
Lower Fz Chest Upward, Pelvis Downward +
Lumbar Mx Left Shoulder Toward Left Hip +
Spine My Sternum Toward Front of Legs +
Mz Right Shoulder Forward, Left Shoulder Rearward +

Sacrum Load Fy Left H-Point Pad Leftward, Chest Rightward +

(BIOSID)

Left Iliac Fy Left lliac Rightward, Chest Leftward +

Load (BIOSID)

Right lliac Fy Right lliac Rightward, Chest Leftward +

Load (BIOSID)

Pubic Load Fy Right H-Point Pad Leftward, Left Pad Rightward (-)
(Side Impact)

Crotch Belt Fx Public Rearward, Pelvis Forward (-)

Loads Fz Public Upward, Chest Downward (-)

lliac Lap Fx Upper lliac Spine Rearward, Chest Forward (-)

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TABLE 1—DUMMY MANIPULATIONS FOR CHECKING RECORDED LOAD CELL (CONTINUED)

POLARITY RELATIVE TO SIGN CONVENTION
Load Cell Measure Dummy Manipulations Polarity
Belt Loads My Upper lliac Spine Rearward, Chest Forward +

Left Side Fy Left Side of Abdomen Rightward, Chest Leftward +

Abdominal Load
(EUROSID-1)
Right Side Fy Right Side of Abdomen Leftward, Chest Rightward (-)
Abdominal Load
(EUROSID-1)

Femur Fx Knee Upward, Upper Femur Downward +

Loads Fy Knee Rightward, Upper Femur Leftward +
(Dummy in Fz Knee Forward, Pelvis Rearward +
Seated Position, Mx Knee Leftward, Hold Upper Femur in Place +
Femurs My Knee Upward, Hold Upper Femur in Place +
Horizontal) Mz Tibia Leftward, Hold Pelvis in Place +

Knee Clevis Fz Tibia Downward, Femur Upward +

Upper Tibia Fz Tibia Downward, Femur Upward +

Loads Mx Ankle Leftward, Hold Knee in Place +
My Ankle Forward, Bottom of Knee Clevis Rearward +

Lower Tibia Fx Ankle Forward, Knee Rearward +

Loads Fy Ankle Rightward, Knee Leftward +
Fz Ankle Downward, Knee Upward +
Mx Ankle Leftward, Hold Knee in Place +
My Ankle Forward, Bottom of Knee Clevis Rearward +

8. Free Body Diagrams of Specific Dummy Transducers Showing Load Systems that Produce Outputs
that are to be Recorded with Specified Polarities

8.1 Hybrid III Type Dummies (Large Male, Mid-Size Male, Small Female, 6-Year Old, and 3-Year Old)

a. Upper Neck Load Cell—See Figure 9.

b. Lower Neck Load Cell—See Figure 10.
c. Shoulder Load Cells—See Figure 11.
d. Chest Deflection Transducer—See Figure 12.
e. Lower Thoracic Spine Load Cell—See Figure 13.
f. Lower Lumbar Spine Load Cell—See Figure 14.
g. Iliac Lap Belt Load Cell—See Figure 15.
h. Pubic Load Cell—See Figure 16.
i. Femur Load Cell—See Figure 17.
j. Upper Tibia and Knee Clevis Load Cells—See Figure 18.
k. Lower Tibia Load Cell—See Figure 19.

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8.2 BIOSID

a. Upper and Lower Neck Load Cells—See Figure 9 and Figure 10.
b. Lt Shoulder Load Cell—See Figure 20.
c. Rt Shoulder Load Cell—See Figure 21.
d. Rib Deflection Transducers—See Figure 22.
e. Lower Lumbar Spine Load Cell—See Figure 23.
f. Iliac Wing Load Cell—See Figure 24.
g. Pubic Load Cell—See Figure 25.
h. Sacrum Load Cell—See Figure 26.

8.3 CRABI Type Dummies (6, 12, and, 18 Months Old)

a. Upper Neck Load Cell—See Figure 27.

b. Lower Neck Load Cell—See Figure 28.
c. Shoulder Load Cells—See Figure 11.
d. Lower Lumbar Spine Load Cell—See Figure 29.
e. Pubic Load Cell—See Figure 16.

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FIGURE 9—UPPER NECK LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 10—LOWER NECK LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 11—SHOULDER LOAD CELLS

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FIGURE 12—CHEST DEFLECTION TRANSDUCER

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FIGURE 13—LOWER THORACIC SPINE LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 14—LOWER LUMBAR SPINE LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 15—ILIAC LAMP BELT LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 16—PUBIC LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 17—FEMUR LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 18—UPPER TIBIA AND KNEE CLEVIS LOAD CELLS

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FIGURE 19—LOWER TIBIA LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 20—LT SHOULDER LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 21—RT SHOULDER LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 22—RIB DEFLECTION TRANSDUCER

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FIGURE 23—LOWER LUMBAR SPINE LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 24—ILIAC WING LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 25—PUBIC LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 26—SACRUM LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 27—UPPER NECK LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 28—LOWER NECK LOAD CELL

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FIGURE 29—LOWER LUMBAR SPINE LOAD CELL

PREPARED BY THE SAE DUMMY TESTING EQUIPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE

SAE HUMAN BIOMECHANICS AND SIMULATION STANDARDS COMMITTEE

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Rationale—Not Applicable.

Relationship of SAE Standard to ISO Standard—Not applicable.

Application—In order to compare test results obtained from different crash test facilities, standardized
coordinate systems need to be defined for crash test dummies, vehicle structures, and laboratory
fixtures. In addition, recorded polarities for various transducer outputs need to be defined relative to
positive directions of the appropriate coordinate systems. This SAE Information Report describes the
standardized sign convention and recorded output polarities for various transducers used in crash
testing.

Reference Section

SAE J211—Instrumentation for Impact Test

SAE J670—Vehicle Dynamics Terminology

SAE J1594—Vehicle Aerodynamics Terminology

SAE J2052—Test Device Head Contact Duration Analysis

Developed by the SAE Dummy Testing Equipment Subcommittee

Sponsored by the SAE Human Biomechanics and Simulation Standards Committee