FIA 8853-2016 - Harness Standard
8853-2016 – Sporting Background and Timing
- 8853-2016 was published in December 2016
- 8853/98 products may be produced until December 31, 2017
- 8853-2016 is intended to be introduced as follows:
8853-2016 - Technical Background
Accident analysis of the many championships fitted with Accident Data Recorders (ADR) has shown that very high G (>70g) crashes are now survivable with good vehicle crashworthiness and cockpit environments together with best practice safety equipment. On this basis, the performance levels for FIA approved safety equipment have been newly defined to manage the forces and energies generated during 70g accidents.
Test Values
As test dummies are somewhat more aggressive than real (human) occupants are, the new FIA harness test prescribes a 60+g pulse to ensure the harness can manage the loads exerted during real accidents up to at least 70g. Based on development testing with a 50th percentile Hybrid III dummy, the following loads (RHS column) have been evaluated as appropriate. (Note: Development Testing has been done with Hybrid III 50% - the homologation testing will be conducted with an ECE R-16 50th percentile dummy as no internal instrumentation is required)
Static Testing
The table below summarizes the mechanical properties and design differences between the previous FIA Standard 8853/98 and the newly developed standard 8853-2016
Reference Values: 1kN = 102kg = 225pounds
Dynamic Testing
The most significant change for the new FIA 8853-2016 standard is increasing the severity of the dynamic requirements of the sled/crash testing.
- The impact speed will be increased from 50+/- 1km/h to 67 +/- 1km/h
- The peak change in velocity will be increased from 32g to 60+g
The seating position will be reclined as shown below and the seat will be yawed at an angle of 30° relative to the longitudinal axis of the trolly/sled, in order to simulate an angled Impact.
Additional Changes and Enhancements:
- 8854/98 (4pt FIA harnesses) will remain in place for historical cars
- 5pt harness systems will not be accepted or qualify for homologation under 8853-2016
- V-Strap harness systems (sub-strap with single merge/point connection to buckle) will not be accepted or qualify for homologation under 8853-2016
- Harnesses with an additional “Z-Strap” or Negative “g” strap may be homologated under 8853-2016