ISO/TR 27957:2020

Overview

ISO/TR 27957:2020 - "Road vehicles - Temperature measurement in anthropomorphic test devices - Definition of the temperature sensor locations" - is a technical report that defines the number, arrangement and acceptable tolerance of temperature-measuring points on anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs). Its purpose is to ensure ATD temperatures comply with the temperature corridor required by the applied test procedure and to improve comparability of test results between laboratories.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Sensor locations and tolerance: The report specifies precise sensor placement on ATDs (with a positional tolerance typically expressed as a 25 mm radius) so readings represent temperature-sensitive parts used for injury assessment.
• ATD families covered: Informative annexes A–G provide device-specific locations for common ATD families, including Hybrid‑III, SID‑IIs, ES‑2 / ES‑2re, WorldSID (5 & 50), THOR‑M (5 & 50), Q‑Children, and BioRID. Annex additions in the 2020 edition broaden coverage to multiple devices.
• Mounting and coupling: Temperature sensors are to be mounted without modifying the dummy’s structure or performance and must be thermally coupled to the ATD surface (sensors typically mounted on damping material or inner surfaces as indicated).
• Equipment and data logging: The document addresses equipment requirements for temperature measurement and data logging to support reproducible temperature verification during testing.
• Normative reference: ISO/TR 27957 refers to ISO 6487 for measurement techniques in impact tests and related instrumentation terminology.

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO/TR 27957:2020:

• Vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers performing crash and occupant protection testing.
• Independent test laboratories and certification bodies validating ATD readiness and conformity with temperature corridors.
• ATD manufacturers integrating or recommending sensor positions during design and calibration.
• Regulators and standards committees seeking harmonized measurement practice across test facilities.
• Research organizations conducting biomechanics and safety systems development.

Why it matters:

• Ensures consistent ATD temperature verification so that injury metrics are comparable across tests and labs.
• Reduces variability caused by inconsistent sensor placement, improving data quality for regulatory compliance, certification, and research.

Related standards

• ISO 6487 - Road vehicles: Measurement techniques in impact tests - Instrumentation (normative reference used by ISO/TR 27957).
• Device-specific manufacturer guidance and regional crash-test regulations should be consulted alongside ISO/TR 27957 for full compliance.

Keywords: ISO/TR 27957:2020, temperature measurement, anthropomorphic test device, ATD, temperature sensor locations, crash testing, Hybrid‑III, WorldSID, THOR, Q‑Children, SID‑IIs, ISO 6487.