Course in NCAP Validation of Seats and Head Restraints
300-hour online course in NCAP validation of seats and head restraints. 6 modules covering the Euro NCAP whiplash test protocol, UNECE Regulation No. 17 (seats, anchorages and head restraints) and LS-DYNA. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
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
Explain the biomechanics of cervical injuries in rear impact.
Interpret seat and head restraint test protocols.
Describe the dummies and instrumentation used.
Analyse seat design aimed at occupant protection.
Use simulation for development and outcome prediction.
Evaluate results against scoring criteria.
Plan a seat validation project.
Who it's for
- Passive safety engineer looking to specialise in NCAP Validation of seats and head restraints.
- Impact testing engineer looking to specialise in NCAP Validation of seats and head restraints.
- Crash CAE simulation engineer looking to specialise in NCAP Validation of seats and head restraints.
- Seat designer looking to specialise in NCAP Validation of seats and head restraints.
- Dummy instrumentation technician looking to specialise in NCAP Validation of seats and head restraints.
- Type-approval engineer looking to specialise in NCAP Validation of seats and head restraints.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the automotive industry.
What you'll work with
- Euro NCAP whiplash test protocol
- UNECE Regulation No. 17 (seats, anchorages and head restraints)
- UNECE Regulation No. 25 (head restraints)
- FMVSS 202a (head restraints)
- ISO 6487 (instrumentation in impact tests)
- SAE J211 (instrumentation for impact tests)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Whiplash mechanism1.2Relative head-torso movement1.3Minor cervical injuries and their social cost1.4Influence of seat geometry1.5Backrest stiffness and energy absorbed1.6Head restraint position: height and distance1.7Differences by sex and stature1.8Injury criteria NIC and Nkm1.9Accident data1.10Practical: analysis of a whiplash case
2.1Euro NCAP whiplash protocol2.2Dynamic sled test2.3Low, medium and high severity pulses2.4Geometric measurement of head restraints2.5HRMD tool and H-point manikin2.6Rear seat testing2.7Protection against luggage intrusion2.8Scoring and penalties2.9Comparison with IIHS2.10Laboratory: interpreting a whiplash report
3.1BioRID II dummy3.2Dummy calibration and certification3.3Accelerometers and load cells3.4Dummy positioning3.5CFC signal filtering3.6High-speed cameras3.7Repeatability and reproducibility3.8Measurement uncertainty3.9Laboratory maintenance3.10Practical: processing signals from a test
4.1Seat structure and frame4.2Active and reactive head restraints4.3WHIPS and similar systems4.4Foams and cushioning4.5Recliner and anchorages4.6UNECE R17 regulation4.7UNECE R25 head restraint regulation4.8Side airbag integration4.9Comfort-safety trade-off4.10Workshop: adjustable head restraint concept
5.1Seat finite element models5.2BioRID numerical models5.3Test-simulation correlation5.4Stiffness and geometry optimisation5.5Component testing5.6Development plan through to type approval5.7Production variability5.8Production conformity testing5.9Evolution of Euro NCAP protocols5.10Case study: improving a seat's score
6.1Seat selection6.2Geometry analysis6.3Test plan6.4Preliminary simulation6.5Simulated test results6.6Score calculation6.7Improvement proposal6.8Verification plan6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded lectures and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is LS-DYNA, Madymo, DIAdem, Python (pandas), ANSA, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real whiplash sled test procedures, seat head restraint geometry measurement and simulation with the BioRID II dummy model. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the biomechanics of cervical injuries in rear impact.
Interpret seat and head restraint test protocols.
Describe the dummies and instrumentation used.
Analyse seat design aimed at occupant protection.
Use simulation for development and outcome prediction.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
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 consists of 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
The programme uses LS-DYNA, Madymo, DIAdem, Python (pandas) and ANSA. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute own diploma awarded on passing continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is an in-house training qualification, not an official qualification issued by the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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