Students Crash Test Vehicles

On May 2, 2024, cutting-edge 3D printed vehicles, designed by engineering students from North Central State College, underwent crash testing at the Honda Marysville facility. Last year students in the program had a chance to bring their PVC vehicles to the facility to be crash-tested. This marks the first time the students designed and produced their vehicles using 3D printers.

The objective was to design a vehicle that would pass the major injury criteria from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the head, thorax, and knee of a passenger if the vehicle was involved in a 19 MPH crash. Two distinct designs, crafted by separate teams of NC State engineering students, underwent rigorous testing each reaching speeds of 19 MPH.

During the tests, the vehicles were equipped with fully instrumented crash test dummies provided by Honda. The students’ vehicles showcased advanced safety features including custom belt systems and collapsible steering columns.

Despite the intensity of the tests, both crash test dummies passed injury requirements, marking a significant milestone in automotive engineering.

The Blue Vehicle Team, comprised of Kennadi Easter, Rebekah Haudenschild, Cheyenne Polen, and John Evans, and the Black Car Team, consisting of Noah Tuttle, Brady Zehe, Quinton Frankhouse, and Carson Barnes, demonstrated exceptional innovation and expertise, setting the stage for further advancements in vehicle safety technology.

According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), over two million car accidents happen a year with over 40,000 deaths. Behind each of these numbers is a life tragically lost, and a family left behind.  The research conducted by engineering students at North Central State College aims to shed light on the safety measures inherent in vehicles, including 3D-printed go-karts, with the ultimate goal of potentially saving lives.