Reduced-Scale Crash Testing Course
The Reduced-Scale Crash Testing Course offers hands-on immersion in assessing the behaviour of structures and components under impact, through reduced-scale tests. It focuses on the design and execution of tests, data acquisition and analysis, and the interpretation of results for validating numerical models and improving product design. Techniques such as high-speed video analysis, strain measurement and accelerometers are used to understand impact dynamics. The course covers the design of impact devices, specimen preparation and the interpretation of results for numerical simulation using finite element analysis (FEA) software. Participants will develop skills in test methodology, model validation and decision-making based on test results.
The course provides experience in using specific test equipment, such as impact points and high-speed cameras. The focus is on the practical application of knowledge, with the aim of preparing participants for roles as test engineers, impact analysts and safety designers, strengthening their ability to work in the automotive, aerospace and defence industries.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Apply similarity theory and dimensional analysis to scale testing.
Design reduced specimens that are representative of full-scale behaviour.
Select appropriate impact equipment and instrumentation.
Analyse force, acceleration and strain signals in accordance with SAE J211.
Correct for the effects of strain-rate sensitivity.
Validate simulation models with reduced-scale test results.
Execute a reduced-scale impact testing project.
Who it's for
- Impact test engineer who wants to specialise in Reduced-Scale Crash Testing.
- Explicit simulation engineer who wants to specialise in Reduced-Scale Crash Testing.
- Crashworthiness researcher who wants to specialise in Reduced-Scale Crash Testing.
- Instrumentation technician who wants to specialise in Reduced-Scale Crash Testing.
- Structural materials engineer who wants to specialise in Reduced-Scale Crash Testing.
- Passive safety R&D engineer who wants to specialise in Reduced-Scale Crash Testing.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the automotive industry.
What you'll work with
- SAE J211 (instrumentation for impact tests)
- ISO 6487 (measurement techniques in impact tests)
- ISO 26203-2 (high strain-rate tensile testing)
- ASTM E8 (tensile testing of metals)
- UN Regulation R94 (frontal impact)
- ISO/IEC 17025 (laboratory competence)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Dimensional analysis and the Buckingham Pi theorem1.2Similarity laws in impact1.3Replica scaling and its limitations1.4Effect of strain rate1.5Gravity distortion and fracture1.6Scaling of materials and thicknesses1.7Scale models in automotive history1.8Cost and time advantages1.9Correlation with full-scale tests1.10Practice: scale factors for a 1:5 test
2.1Simplified structures: tubes and beams2.2Scaled energy absorbers2.3Crash boxes and front side members2.4Sheet metal and additive manufacturing2.5Scaled welded and adhesive joints2.6Selection of equivalent materials2.7Tolerances and repeatability2.8Added masses and inertial distribution2.9Specimen mounting and fixing2.10Workshop: design of a 1:4 scale crash box
3.1Drop towers3.2Pendulums and impact sleds3.3Pneumatic catapults3.4High-speed impact machines3.5Rigid and deformable scaled barriers3.6Load cells and accelerometers3.7High-speed cameras3.8Digital image correlation3.9Acquisition systems and CFC filtering3.10Laboratory: drop test on an aluminium tube
4.1Force–displacement curves4.2Absorbed energy and specific energy absorption4.3Mean force and load efficiency4.4Collapse modes: progressive and global4.5Peak deceleration and pulse4.6Signal filtering in accordance with SAE J2114.7Statistical repeatability4.8Extrapolation to full scale4.9Common errors in scaling4.10Practice: calculating SEA from test data
5.1Modelling in LS-DYNA and Radioss5.2Material models with rate dependency5.3Contacts and shell elements5.4Validation with scaled tests5.5Optimisation of energy absorbers5.6Composite materials and failure5.7Battery structures and scaling5.8Scaled models in aeronautics and rail5.9Limitations and criteria for use5.10Case study: numerical–experimental correlation of a side member
6.1Selection of the structure to be studied6.2Dimensional analysis of the case6.3Design of the scaled specimen6.4Instrumentation plan6.5Preliminary simulation6.6Test or simulation of the test6.7Analysis of results6.8Extrapolation to full scale6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is LS-DYNA, Abaqus/Explicit, TEMA, MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for an instrumented drop tower, a pneumatic impact cannon and high-speed video. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Apply similarity theory and dimensional analysis to scale testing.
Design reduced specimens that are representative of full-scale behaviour.
Select appropriate impact equipment and instrumentation.
Analyse force, acceleration and strain signals in accordance with SAE J211.
Correct for the effects of strain-rate sensitivity.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- A level of Spanish sufficient to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with LS-DYNA, Abaqus/Explicit, TEMA and MATLAB. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM own diploma on passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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