[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 116 (Monday, June 16, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33903-33922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-13063]



[[Page 33903]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 572

[Docket No. 2008-0111]
RIN 2127-AK21


Anthropomorphic Test Devices; ES-2re Side Impact Crash Test Dummy 
50th Percentile Adult Male

AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 
Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule, response to petitions for reconsideration, 
technical amendment.

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SUMMARY: This final rule responds to petitions for reconsideration of a 
December 6, 2006 final rule establishing in 49 CFR part 572 a new mid-
size adult male side crash test dummy, called the ``ES-2re'' test 
dummy. The petitions were submitted by the Alliance of Automobile 
Manufacturers, First Technology Safety Systems, and Denton ATD. In 
response to the petitions, this document slightly revises the 
specifications for conducting the neck assembly qualification test, 
narrows the tolerances for the tuning spring rates for the dummy's 
thorax, revises performance corridors for the full body thorax test, 
corrects cross-references in the Part 572 regulatory text and makes 
minor changes to the drawing package and user's manual for the test 
dummy.

DATES: This final rule is effective August 15, 2008. The incorporation 
by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 15, 2008. 
If you wish to petition for reconsideration of this rule, your petition 
must be received by July 31, 2008.

ADDRESSES: If you wish to petition for reconsideration of this rule, 
you should refer in your petition to the docket number of this document 
and submit your petition to: Administrator, National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, 
20590.
    The petition will be placed in the docket. Anyone is able to search 
the electronic form of all documents received into any docket by the 
name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, 
if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 
19477-78).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For non-legal issues, you may call Ms. 
Kristin Kirk, NHTSA Office of Crashworthiness Standards (telephone 202-
493-0516). For legal issues, you may call Ms. Deirdre Fujita, NHTSA 
Office of Chief Counsel (telephone 202-366-2992) (fax 202-366-3820). 
You may send mail to these officials at the National Highway Traffic 
Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, 
20590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
II. Summary of ES-2RE Part 572 Final Rule
III. Petitions for Reconsideration
IV. Response to the Petitions
    a. Neck Assembly Qualification Test
    b. Lumbar Spine
    c. Thorax Assembly, Rib Drop Test
    d. Thorax Assembly, Full-Body Test
    e. Cross-References and Typographical Errors in Regulatory Text
    f. Drawing Package and Other Materials
V. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices
Appendix A to Preamble

I. Introduction

    This final rule responds to petitions for reconsideration of a 
final rule (71 FR 75304; Docket No. NHTSA-2004-25441) that was 
published on December 14, 2006, amending 49 CFR Part 572 to add 
specifications and qualification requirements in Subpart U for a new 
mid-size adult male side impact test dummy, called the ``ES-2re'' test 
dummy, for use in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214 
(``Side impact protection''). The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
preceding the December 14, 2006 final rule was published on September 
15, 2004 (69 FR 55550; Docket 18864; reopening of comment period, 
January 12, 2005, 70 FR 2105).
    The ES-2re is technically superior to both the SID-HIII 50th 
percentile adult male test dummy (49 CFR Part 572, subpart M) currently 
used in the optional pole test of FMVSS No. 201 and the side impact New 
Car Assessment Program tests, and the SID 50th percentile adult male 
test dummy (49 CFR Part 572, subpart F) now used in the moving 
deformable barrier (MDB) test of FMVSS No. 214. The ES-2re can be 
instrumented with a wide array of sensors to better predict a wider 
range of injury potential than any other currently available mid-size 
male side impact test dummy. It can assess the potential for head 
injury (measuring the resultant head acceleration, which is used to 
calculate the Head Injury Criterion (HIC)); thoracic injuries in terms 
of spine and rib accelerations and rib deflections; abdominal injuries 
through three load cells to assess the magnitude of lateral and oblique 
forces; pelvic injuries, and other injuries.
    The use of the ES-2re test dummy in FMVSS No. 214 was discussed in 
and made part of a final rule upgrading FMVSS No. 214 (49 CFR 571.214) 
published on September 11, 2007 (72 FR 51908; Docket No. NHTSA-
29134).\1\ The final rule added a dynamic pole test to FMVSS No. 214, 
to supplement the MDB test currently in the standard. In the dynamic 
pole test, a vehicle is propelled sideways into a rigid pole at an 
angle of 75 degrees, at any speed up to 32 km/h (20 mph). Compliance 
with the pole test will be determined in two test configurations, one 
using the ES-2re test dummy representing mid-size adult males and the 
other using a test dummy representing small adult females.\2\ The final 
rule required vehicles to protect against head, thoracic and other 
injuries as measured by the two test dummies. The final rule also 
specified using the dummies in FMVSS No. 214's MDB test, which 
simulates a vehicle-to-vehicle, ``T-bone'' type intersection crash.
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    \1\ The September 11, 2007 final rule fulfilled the mandate of 
Section 10302 of the ``Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient 
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users,'' (SAFETEA-LU), Pub. 
L. 109-59 (Aug. 10, 2005; 119 Stat. 1144). Section 10302(a) of 
SAFETEA-LU provides:
    Sec. 10302. Side-Impact Crash Protection Rulemaking.
    (a) Rulemaking.--The Secretary shall complete a rulemaking 
proceeding under chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, to 
establish a standard designed to enhance passenger motor vehicle 
occupant protection, in all seating positions, in side impact 
crashes. The Secretary shall issue a final rule by July 1, 2008.
    We received petitions for reconsideration of the FMVSS No. 214 
final rule and will be publishing our response to those petitions at 
a future date.
    \2\ NHTSA published a final rule adding the specifications for 
the small female dummy (SID-IIsD) to 49 CFR Part 572 on December 14, 
2006 (71 FR 75342; Docket No. NHTSA-25442). We received petitions 
for reconsideration of the final rule and expect to publish our 
response to those petitions in 2008.
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II. Summary of ES-2RE Part 572 Final Rule

    For any test dummy to be a useful test device in a compliance or 
vehicle rating setting, responses to controlled inputs must be 
reproducible and repeatable. The December 14, 2006 ES-2re final rule 
specified a qualification process for the ES-2re dummy, i.e., a series 
of specified component and whole body-level tests, to verify that a 
test dummy's response measurements fall within prescribed ranges. The 
tests and response ranges (or performance corridors) for the ES-2re, 
specified in 49

[[Page 33904]]

CFR Part 572 Subpart U, ensure that the dummy's responses to controlled 
inputs are reproducible and repeatable, thus assuring full and accurate 
evaluation of occupant injury risk in vehicle tests. The test 
procedures and performance specifications for qualification of the ES-
2re as set forth in the December 14, 2006 final rule established 
performance levels for the dummy's head assembly, neck assembly, lumbar 
spine, shoulder assembly, thorax (upper torso) assembly, abdomen 
assembly and pelvis. (An overview of the test requirements is provided 
in Appendix A to this preamble.)
    Today's document relates to the following test procedures and 
performance specifications of the final rule:
     Neck Assembly: The neck-headform assembly of the ES-2re is 
attached to a specified pendulum which is released so that it contacts 
a decelerating mechanism at an impact velocity of 3.4 meters per second 
(m/s). As the pendulum decelerates, its velocity must fall within time-
dependent velocity corridors described in the regulatory text, and at 
zero velocity, the pendulum must be vertical within 1 
degree. The rotation of the neck-headform in time is measured to 
evaluate the dummy's performance.
     Lumbar Spine: The lumbar spine is tested in a similar 
fashion as the neck. The spine is assembled with the headform assembly 
and attached to a specified pendulum. The pendulum is then released 
from a height so that it impacts the decelerating mechanism at a 
velocity of 6.05 m/s. The deceleration of the pendulum is defined by 
time-dependent velocity corridors. As with the neck assembly test, the 
rotation of the lumbar spine-headform assembly in time is measured and 
must fall within the specified response corridors.
     Thorax (upper torso) Assembly: Two procedures are 
specified to test the response of the ES-2re thorax. The first is an 
individual rib drop test. In this test, each rib module is mounted in a 
test fixture and a guided mass is dropped from two different heights to 
impact the rib. For each drop height, the resulting deflection of the 
rib is measured and used to determine the rib's suitability for 
compliance testing. The second thorax test is a full-body test 
performed on a seated dummy with its complete set of ribs. This test 
involves impacting the side of a seated dummy at the centerline of the 
middle rib, at a velocity of 5.5 m/s  0.1 m/s. Response 
ranges used to qualify the dummy are defined for the deflections of the 
upper, middle and lower ribs, and for the maximum force of the impactor 
at 6 ms or more after time zero.

III. Petitions for Reconsideration

    The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Alliance), Denton ATD 
(Denton) and First Technology Safety Systems (FTSS) petitioned for 
reconsideration of the December 14, 2006 final rule. The petitioners 
generally supported the incorporation of the ES-2re into 49 CFR Part 
572,\3\ but had concerns with engineering aspects of the Part 572 
specifications and with the drawings incorporated by reference into the 
regulation. The suggestions of each of the petitioners are summarized 
below:
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    \3\ The Alliance stated that it believes that WorldSID is the 
most appropriate side impact dummy representing the 50th percentile 
adult male, but that ``until WorldSID is placed into Part 572, the 
Alliance generally supports the interim adoption of the ES-2re.''
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    a. The Alliance petitioned to specify the use and thickness of 
aluminum honeycomb in the test procedures for assessing the neck 
assembly and the lumbar spine. The petitioner also asked NHTSA to 
revise specifications for the thorax assembly tolerances for rib module 
tuning springs, to eliminate the thorax individual rib drop test and to 
reduce the speed for the full body thorax test. The petitioner also 
suggested corrections to cross-references and typographical errors in 
the Part 572 regulatory text.
    b. Denton also petitioned to specify the use of honeycomb material 
in the neck qualification test procedure. In addition, the petitioner 
requested that NHTSA eliminate the full body thorax impact test because 
of concerns that the test reduces the durability of the dummy, and 
because Denton believed ``it impossible for the certification test to 
be a repeatable and reproducible evaluation of the dummy.'' 
Alternatively, Denton suggested that if NHTSA retained the full body 
thorax impact test, that the agency adopt new corridors for the test 
developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Dummy Testing 
Equipment Subcommittee (DTESC) of the Human Biomechanics and Simulation 
Standards Committee. Denton also identified portions of the regulatory 
text and a number of drawings incorporated by reference into Part 572 
that the petitioner believed needed correction.
    c. FTSS requested that NHTSA consider data for the full-body thorax 
impact test from FTSS, Denton and GM and revise the probe force after 6 
millisecond specification. FTSS also identified a number of drawings 
that the petitioner believed needed correction.

IV. Response to the Petitions

    In response to the petitions for reconsideration of the December 
14, 2006 final rule, this document slightly revises the specifications 
for conducting the neck assembly qualification test, narrows the 
tolerances for the tuning spring rates for the dummy's thorax, revises 
performance corridors for the full body thorax test, corrects cross-
references and typographical errors in the Part 572 regulatory text and 
makes minor changes to the drawing package and NHTSA user's manual 
(Procedures for Assembly, Disassembly and Inspection) for the dummy.

a. Neck Assembly Qualification Test

    The Alliance believed that the requirement in Sec.  572.183(c) that 
at zero velocity, the pendulum must be vertical within 1 
degree ``is broad and that it would not be possible to fail this 
requirement as long as a 3 inch piece of aluminum honeycomb is used.'' 
The Alliance stated that ``it would be more precise to simply state in 
the regulation the need to utilize a 3-inch thick piece of aluminum 
honeycomb, rather than include the more complicated specification for 
verticality of the pendulum beam.'' Denton also petitioned that a 3-
inch piece of aluminum honeycomb should be specified as the 
decelerating mechanism for the neck pendulum in place of the current 
angular position specification. Denton claimed that retaining the 
specification for 1 degree from vertical at 0 m/s would 
only ``add expense and difficulty to the test with no value,'' as labs 
would have to measure the angular position of the pendulum for every 
test. This petitioner believed that the angular position specification 
came from ``ES-2 user's manuals from TNO and FTSS,'' but it was 
``originally intended by TNO to show that 3 inch thick honeycomb should 
be used for this test.''
Agency Response
     We generally concur with the request. The requirement to measure 
the pendulum to 1 degree from vertical was taken from the 
manufacturer's user's manual for the dummy. While this measurement 
would not require a great amount of effort to attain, we conclude that 
its removal from the test procedure would not affect dummy responses. 
Additionally, for all Hybrid III dummies, as well as for the SID-IIsD 
dummy, there is no requirement for the vertical alignment of the 
pendulum at zero velocity, nor is there a specified honeycomb 
thickness. All of these dummies reference the pendulum in 49 CFR Part 
572 Subpart E (Figure 22),

[[Page 33905]]

which only specifies the honeycomb density and the horizontal distance 
between the pivot of the pendulum and the honeycomb face. By 
maintaining consistency between test procedures for different dummies, 
the familiarity of lab technicians with the instructions for the dummy 
is increased, as will be the ease and efficiency of conducting tests.
    Accordingly, NHTSA has decided to remove the requirement for the 
pendulum to be vertical 1 degree at zero velocity, as 
petitioned. However, we are not adding a specification for honeycomb 
thickness, since laboratories may have alternative pendulum designs 
that achieve the desired deceleration. These changes will allow for the 
ES-2re neck qualification test to be consistent with those for all 
other currently-used dummies.

b. Lumbar Spine

    Similar to its recommendation to specify the neck pendulum 
decelerating mechanism as a 3-inch thick piece of aluminum honeycomb, 
the Alliance also petitioned to add to Sec.  572.187(b)(3) a 
specification that the decelerating mechanism should have a thickness 
of 6 inches.
Agency Response
    We do not agree to this request. Honeycomb thickness is not 
specified for any pendulum qualification tests for the Hybrid III 
family of dummies or for the SID-IIsD. The deceleration of the pendulum 
in neck or lumbar tests is defined by the velocity-time profile 
provided in the regulatory text, thus it is unnecessary to specify a 
honeycomb thickness.

c. Thorax Assembly, Rib Drop Test

1. Use of the Individual Rib Drop Test
    The Alliance petitioned to delete the rib drop test because ``it 
may not sufficiently identify poor performing ribs.'' The petitioner 
referred to Denton data from six rib drop tests (three tests at 3 
meters per second (m/s) and three at 4 m/s).
Agency Response
    We are denying the request. It is not evident how the Denton 
results supported the request, and the petitioner did not explain its 
point. The six results provided by the Alliance all fell within the 
displacement corridors of the NPRM and the final rule. Presumably, the 
Alliance believes that some or all of these ribs should have failed 
this test as ``poor'' performers. However, no indication was given that 
these ribs were problematic, or that they should not have met the 
requirements of the rib drop test.
    While analyzing the petitioner's data to try to understand the 
Alliance concern, we noticed that although the tests were conducted 
after the issuance of the final rule, the procedures used by the 
petitioner followed the NPRM specifications (which specified impact 
velocities) rather than the final rule's procedures (which specified 
drop heights). For all six tests, drop heights (which the agency 
calculated from the provided impact velocities) did not meet the 
specifications of the final rule.\4\ Assuming that the Alliance was 
trying to illustrate that tests conducted outside the specifications of 
the final rule could still meet the deflection corridors, we still do 
not concur that this occurrence indicates that the test is deficient. 
Because of variation in dummy responses, the rib response at drop 
heights close to the final rule specifications may or may not also fall 
within the deflection corridor. No source of support for the Alliance 
petition could be identified in the provided data.
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    \4\ In the 3 m/s data set, calculated drop heights exceeded the 
final rule specification of 454-464 mm, ranging from 471-474 mm, 
while in the 4 m/s data set, the calculated drop heights ranged from 
779-783 mm, which does not reach the final rule specification of 
807-823 mm.
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    The individual rib drop test was originally specified in the 
manufacturer's user's manual and has received support throughout the 
rulemaking process. The Alliance's test results do not appear to 
demonstrate inadequacies in the individual rib drop test nor has the 
petitioner provided an explanation of the alleged deficiency of this 
test. Accordingly, the agency is denying the request to delete the 
individual rib drop test.
2. Tuning Springs
    Petitioners raised two issues about the final rule's tuning springs 
specifications. First, the Alliance, Denton and FTSS pointed out a 
discrepancy between the user's manual (Procedures for Assembly, 
Disassembly and Inspection (PADI)) and Drawing 175-4040 regarding the 
spring rate for the middle (black) spring. The PADI specifies the 
spring rate as 16.6 Newtons per millimeter (N/mm), whereas the drawing 
has a 16.4 N/mm specification. The Alliance believed that the latter 
specification is correct. We confirm that the spring rate of 16.4 N/mm 
is correct and we have corrected the typographical error in the PADI.
    The second issue relates to the 10 percent tolerance of the spring 
rates shown in several drawings of the springs (Note 2 in drawing 175-
4040, black spring (16.4 N/mm spring rate); in drawing 175-4041, white 
spring (13.8 N/mm); and in drawing 175-4042, blue spring (19.0 N/mm)). 
(Each rib of the dummy contains a spring that can be changed out to 
adjust the amount of rib deflection upon impact.) All petitioners 
believed that the tolerances were too large. FTSS and Denton 
recommended a tolerance of 1 N/mm for all three drawings. 
Denton noted that with the currently specified spring tolerances which 
allow overlap of the spring rates, springs could be replaced for tuning 
purposes but the lab will not ``get the expected effect because of 
spring variability.'' Denton states that they have manufactured these 
springs under tighter tolerances than 1 N/mm, and that 
although it increases the spring cost to do so, ``it prevents much 
larger costs that result from trial and error in testing while trying 
to tune rib modules.'' The Alliance stated that the tolerances for the 
three tuning springs are such that the specified spring rates can 
overlap and recommended that the tolerance on the springs be limited to 
5 percent, rather than the current tolerance of 10 percent. The Alliance stated that the SAE DTESC also 
recommended a tolerance of 5 percent.
Agency Response
    NHTSA agrees that the tolerance of 10 percent is too 
large for the reasons provided by the petitioners and has decided to 
adopt a 1 N/mm tolerance as recommended by FTSS and Denton. 
Changing the tolerance to 1 N/mm will result in a tighter 
control of the rib response than the specification of the final rule 
and will prevent overlap of the tuning spring rates, while providing 
more leeway in meeting the tolerance than the 5 percent 
tolerance suggested by the Alliance. Accordingly, we have revised 
drawings 175-4040, 175-4041 and 175-4042 to specify a spring rate 
tolerance of 1.0 N/mm.

d. Thorax Assembly, Full-Body Test

1. Use of the Full Body Thorax Impact Test
    Denton requested that the full-body thorax impact test be 
eliminated because the petitioner believed the test ``is destructive, 
and redundant to the drops [sic] tests in 572.185.'' Denton stated that 
the impact--

causes damage to the foam on the dummy ribs with every impact that 
is done * * * [W]e estimate that the foam on the dummies ribs will 
need to be replaced after only 20-50 certification tests on the 
dummy. * * * [U]sers may experience limited durability of the dummy 
due to the certification test, caused by a lack of fully 
understanding the batch to batch foam variations. * * * [T]he fact 
that the dummy changes with every test

[[Page 33906]]

makes it impossible for the certification test to be a repeatable 
and reproducible evaluation of the dummy. (Denton petition, pp. 2-3)

    Alternatively, Denton suggested new performance corridors for the 
dummy's response ranges (deflections of the upper, middle and lower 
ribs, and the maximum force of the impactor at 6 ms or more after time 
zero) based on a DTESC-compiled data set, which included test data from 
NHTSA, Denton and GM. Denton endorsed the DTESC's use of 3 
times the standard deviation of the data set to establish corridors. In 
contrast to Denton's endorsement of corridors based on 3 
times the standard deviation, in its petition the Alliance stated that 
it analyzed the DTESC data and recommended corridors based on 2 times the standard deviation of the data set.
Agency Response
    NHTSA is denying the request to eliminate the full body thorax 
impact test. The test is necessary to assess the dummy's thorax 
performance as a system, as opposed to assessing the performance of 
each rib individually in the rib drop test. A full-body test such as 
the ES-2re full body thorax impact test is also included in the 
qualification test procedures for other side impact dummies, including 
the SID, SID-IIsD and WorldSID.\5\ Performance corridors for the full 
body thorax test were formed as discussed below in section IV.d.5 of 
this preamble.
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    \5\ WorldSID is not yet codified in 49 CFR Part 572. It was 
developed by industry representatives from the U.S., Europe and 
Japan, with the support of the European and Japanese governments and 
is considered by many to be the next-generation 50th percentile male 
side impact dummy (see DMS Docket No. 2000-17252).
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2. Full Body Thorax Test Impact Velocity
    The Alliance petitioned to revise the test speed for the full body 
thorax impact test ``such that it does not significantly degrade the 
rib foam.'' The petitioner stated that a study by Denton showed that 
force variation was shown to occur in repeat tests due to degradation 
of the rib foam material, eventually resulting in responses falling out 
of the corridor for the maximum force of the impactor 6 ms or more 
after time zero. The Alliance stated that ``force [is] the most 
sensitive parameter and increase[s] as more tests are conducted due to 
rib foam degradation. This could require rib replacement after 
approximately 20-50 certification tests, which the Alliance considers 
unacceptable in terms of durability.'' (Alliance petition, p. 3)
Agency Response
    The agency is not reducing the impact velocity for the test. The 
impact velocity was reduced from the NPRM's value of 6.7 m/s to the 
final rule's value of 5.5 m/s, in response to FTSS's comment to the 
NPRM (NHTSA Docket No. 18864-22) that the impact velocity (6.7 m/s) was 
too severe, and that a more appropriate impact velocity would probably 
be between 5.0 and 6.0 m/s. NHTSA evaluated the comment by conducting 
full-body thorax qualification tests to determine a more appropriate 
test speed. The results of the test series led to the establishment of 
an impact speed of 5.5 m/s, which fell within the range suggested by 
FTSS.
    The impact velocity for the ES-2re full body thorax impact test was 
chosen to achieve rib deflections at the levels considered for the ES-
2re Injury Assessment Reference Value (IARV) in the FMVSS No. 214 
rulemaking that incorporated the test dummy into the side impact 
protection safety standard. The September 11, 2007 FMVSS No. 214 final 
rule specifies that the deflection of any of the upper, middle, and 
lower ribs shall not exceed 44 millimeters (mm) (1.65 inches).\6\ NHTSA 
sought an impact velocity for the full body thorax impact test that 
verified the dummy's response at this IARV level of rib deflection. 
Repeatable, reliable responses in qualification tests that exercise the 
ribs to this IARV level will ensure repeatable and reliable results 
from one vehicle test to another. As described in the report, 
``Development of a Reduced-Severity Full Body Thorax Certification 
Procedure and Response Requirements for the ES-2re Dummy'' (Docket DMS 
25441-13), the impact velocity of 5.5 m/s was chosen because it was the 
lowest impact velocity that produced rib deflections near the IARV. A 
lower impact speed would not produce sufficient rib deflection and thus 
would not give indication of the dummy's performance at the critical 44 
mm deflection levels.
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    \6\ A chest deflection threshold of 44 mm corresponds to a 50 
percent risk of AIS 3+ injury for a 45-year-old.
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    Following establishment of an impact speed of 5.5 m/s, the agency 
conducted a series of tests to generate performance corridors for the 
full-body thorax test. These tests subjected three dummies to 15 
impacts each, with five impacts for each tuning spring stiffness. 
Although some impacts produced deflections that were above the IARV of 
44 mm, no problems with rib durability were observed. Furthermore, the 
petitioners did not provide conclusive evidence that the 5.5 m/s impact 
speed produced the reported rib degradation. Rib durability is 
discussed further below; however, it does not appear to be an issue 
related to the test speed.
3. Durability
    The Alliance, referencing the SAE DTESC meeting minutes from 
January 19, 2007, stated that repeat full-body thorax tests caused 
degradation of the rib foam material, which in turn resulted in 
variation of the ``Impactor Force after 6 ms'' measurements. This 
caused force responses to eventually fall outside the prescribed 
corridor. The Alliance also referenced linear regression plots showing 
``the variation of rib deflections and force as repeat full body thorax 
tests were conducted,'' and additional linear regression plots provided 
in the DTESC meeting attachments that indicate that the impactor force 
is the ``most sensitive parameter and increas[es] as more tests are 
conducted due to rib foam degradation.'' The Alliance claimed that the 
ribs could require ``replacement after approximately 20-50 
certification tests,'' which it ``considers unacceptable in terms of 
durability.'' Denton, which also referenced the January 19, 2007 DTESC 
Meeting Minutes, had similar comments regarding durability.
Agency Response
    As mentioned in the previous discussion, the full body thorax 
impact test is necessary for evaluation of the dummy as a system. 
Additionally, the test is conducted at 5.5 m/s because this speed is 
required to induce rib deflections at the level of the IARV. The dummy 
must be tested at this level of deflection to ensure that its 
performance in a crash test will be reliable.
    Results from agency full-body thorax qualification tests conducted 
at 5.5 m/s cannot be appropriately analyzed for trends such as those 
described by the petitioners, as there are not enough tests of any one 
dummy to confidently state that the responses are behaving in a certain 
manner (5 tests are available for each dummy). However, these five 
tests per dummy do not show strong trends in the behavior of the peak 
impactor force. The durability of the ES-2re was an issue discussed in 
response to comments to the December 14, 2006 NPRM. In responding to 
the comments, the agency discussed the durability of the ES-2re in 
agency testing. It was found that after full-body thorax impacts 
conducted at 6.7 m/s \7\ on two

[[Page 33907]]

dummies (5 impacts on one dummy, 15 on the other), no parts of the 
dummy exhibited any observable component damage or failure. 
Additionally, no significant durability problems were identified after 
14 pole tests and 14 MDB vehicle crash tests. The final rule therefore 
concluded that the durability of the ES-2re is fully acceptable for its 
intended use in FMVSS No. 214.
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    \7\ 6.7 m/s was the proposed impact velocity for the full-body 
thorax impact test discussed in the NPRM.
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    Although NHTSA has conducted a number of tests on the ES-2re dummy 
without any durability issues arising in the ribs, the data provided in 
the DTESC meeting attachments submitted by Denton and referenced by the 
Alliance were also carefully analyzed, and the following observations 
were made:
     The ``Impactor Force after 6 ms'' data \8\ that the 
Alliance refers to as eventually falling outside the prescribed 
corridor is a compilation of results from a number of different 
dummies. Most of the dummies produced fairly consistent results, 
whether within or somewhat outside the final rule performance corridor. 
The ES2-LAB dummy, tested at Denton ATD, had rising response 
measurements that eventually exceeded the final rule corridor limit 
(see middle set of ``Removed Dummies'' in Figure 4 of this preamble, 
infra.). Three ES2-LAB dummy measurements significantly exceeded the 
upper performance limit; these were conducted after an 
``investigational test series,'' the conditions of which were not 
provided. The photograph of a damaged rib provided by Denton in the 
DTESC minutes was taken after these three tests. Therefore it is 
unknown whether the damage was related to the final rule qualification 
procedures or to the investigational test series conducted earlier on 
this dummy. The reason that this dummy responded in this manner is 
unknown; however, the trend was unique to this dummy and does not 
indicate durability problems with the ES-2re in general.
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    \8\ Attachments 17-19 of the SAE DTESC January 17, 2007 minutes. 
Submitted as part of Denton's petition for reconsideration to the 
ES-2re final rule, NHTSA Docket No. 25441-17.
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     The linear regression plot of the ``Impactor Force after 6 
ms'' results referred to by petitioners Denton and the Alliance shows a 
positive slope, suggesting that the response is rising as more tests 
are conducted. However, the correlation is very weak (R\2\ = 0.1072), 
and furthermore all data fall within the final rule corridors. 
Therefore, this plot does not illustrate any problematic responses.
     It appears that as more tests are conducted, the impactor 
force before 6 ms rises. However, this response is not important for 
qualification or crash tests. As long as the dummy responds in a 
consistent manner at high deflections, such as those in qualification 
and crash tests, its inertial response (before 6 ms) is 
inconsequential.
    As discussed, the petitioners do not provide strong evidence of rib 
durability problems. However, the agency recognizes that other side 
impact dummies (i.e., SID-IIsD, WorldSID) are specified to have an 
impact speed of 4.3 m/s for testing the full-body thorax. Therefore, to 
ensure that the severity of qualification tests is consistent between 
side impact dummies, the rib deflections required for qualification of 
the SID-IIsD were compared to their respective IARV levels. (For the 
WorldSID, an IARV is not yet available as injury criteria are still 
under development.) The SID-IIsD dummy has a monitored IARV limit of 38 
mm for all thoracic ribs,\9\ although at this time FMVSS No. 214 does 
not specify a rib deflection limit for this dummy. To make a fair 
comparison between the deflection levels of the qualification test 
versus the IARV for the SID-IIsD and ES-2re, the SID-IIsD test 
conditions should be as close as possible to the ES-2re test 
conditions. Therefore, the deflections of the SID-IIsD ``thorax without 
arm'' test (rather than the ``thorax with arm'' test) were compared to 
its monitored IARV limit because the ES-2re full body thorax test is 
conducted with the struck-side arm removed. The rib deflection 
corridors for qualification of the SID-IIsD dummy are presented in 
Table 1 below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ Kuppa, S. ``Injury Criteria for Side Impact Dummies.'' 
National Transportation Biomechanics Research Center, NHTSA. January 
2006.

                      Table 1.--Rib Deflections Specified for SID-IIsD Thorax Qualification
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Deflection (mm)
                       Qualification test                        -----------------------------------------------
                                                                     Lower rib      Middle rib       Upper rib
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thorax without Arm..............................................           36-43           39-45           33-40
Thorax with Arm.................................................           32-38           30-36           26-32
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comparison of the qualification test corridors to the monitored 
IARV limit of the SID-IIsD thoracic ribs show that the deflections for 
the thorax without arm qualification test are in line with the 
monitored IARV for the thoracic ribs. Thus, even though the impact 
speed is slower for the SID-IIsD qualification than for the ES-2re, the 
induced rib deflections, like those in the ES-2re qualification test, 
are at the level of the monitored IARV.
    A similar comparison can be made using the Hybrid III 50th 
percentile male (Subpart E) dummy. For qualification of this dummy's 
thorax, the front of the dummy thorax is impacted using the same probe 
as that used on the ES-2re at a velocity of 6.7 m/s (22 feet per second 
(fps)), and the sternum displacement relative to the spine is specified 
to be 68  4.57 mm (2.68  0.18 inches). As of 
September 2006,\10\ FMVSS No. 208's frontal barrier tests specify a 
maximum compressive deflection of the sternum of 63 mm for the Hybrid 
III 50th percentile male driver and passenger dummies in these tests. 
Therefore again, the amount of compression specified in the 
qualification test is consistent with the IARV required by the 
corresponding vehicle crash test.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ The date that all new light vehicles were required to 
comply with the advanced air bag requirements set forth in section 
S14 of FMVSS No. 208. Prior to this requirement, vehicles not 
certified to section S14 could comply under tests that specified a 
maximum compressive deflection of the sternum relative to the spine 
of 76 mm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Finally, both the Alliance and Denton estimated that under the 
current qualification test procedure, the ribs would require 
replacement after 20-50 certification (qualification) tests. However, 
inasmuch as dummies are rarely subjected to such high numbers of repeat 
qualification tests, this number does not provide a clear indication of 
dummy durability. The purpose of qualification is to assure the dummy's 
performance in a sled or crash test, therefore after it is qualified, 
the dummy will be used in these types of tests. Because sled and crash 
tests can be of varying severity, wear-and-tear on the dummy over time 
will differ based on the test conditions. Thus, the life of the dummy's 
components is more dependent on the severity, rather than the number, 
of tests to which the

[[Page 33908]]

dummy is subjected. Given this, the agency cannot concur that 
replacement after 20-50 qualification tests is indicative of poor rib 
durability.
    In conclusion, an issue with rib durability cannot be clearly 
identified by the data provided, and the relative severity of the test 
with respect to the resulting rib deflection is comparable to those of 
the SID-IIsD and Hybrid III 50th percentile male dummies. Although 
petitioners provide an estimated number of qualification tests before 
rib replacement would be necessary, this estimate does not reflect the 
typical use of dummies and thus does not give an indication of the 
level of rib durability. Therefore, the full body thorax test will 
remain a requirement for ES-2re qualification, and the impact speed 
will remain as specified in the final rule.
4. Repeatability and Reproducibility
    Denton believed that ``the fact that the dummy changes with every 
test makes it impossible for the certification test to be a repeatable 
and reproducible evaluation of the dummy.'' This comment refers to the 
petitioner's earlier discussion on rib durability, where they claim 
that ``this full body thorax impact test causes damage to the foam on 
the dummy ribs with every impact that is done'' and ``every single 
impact to the dummy degrades the foam on the ribs.''
Agency Response
    As discussed in previous sections, the data provided by the 
petitioner do not sufficiently support a finding of a dummy durability 
problem for the ES-2re. Also, the data set used to form performance 
corridors shows very good repeatability and reproducibility. This data 
set included five different dummies from two labs and two manufacturers 
that were each tested at least five times. The coefficient of 
variations (CVs) for rib deflection responses from individual dummies 
ranged from 0.44 percent--2.09 percent, and the CVs for peak force 
after 6 ms ranged from 0.82 percent--3.85 percent, indicating excellent 
repeatability. In terms of reproducibility, rib deflection CVs ranged 
from 2.66 percent--2.96 percent, and the CV for peak force after 6 ms 
was 4.76 percent (see Table 2, below). These low CV values show that 
measurements from one dummy to the next were very consistent, i.e., the 
test results are reproducible.\11\ For these reasons, the agency 
disagrees with the petitioner that this test does not provide a 
repeatable and reproducible evaluation of the dummy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ When all dummies were included in a reproducibility 
analysis (i.e., dummies included in the data set for corridor 
formation as well as those that were excluded), rib deflection CVs 
ranged from 2.75%-3.49%, and the CV for peak force after 6 ms was 
5.77%.

 Table 2.--Mean, Standard Deviation, and Coefficient of Variance (CV) for ES2-re Dummies Tested in the Full Body
                                            Thorax Qualification Test
[Bold text indicates dummies that were removed from the data set for the formation of performance corridors; see
                                          section d.5 of this preamble]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Middle rib                      Peak force
       Lab and dummy No.                          Upper rib peak     peak disp    Lower rib peak    after 6 ms
                                                    disp  (mm)         (mm)         disp  (mm)          (N)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VRTC* 009.....................  mean............            35.4           39.72           38.46          5713.7
                                SD..............           0.738           0.795           0.586           219.9
                                CV..............           2.09%           2.00%           1.52%           3.85%
VRTC 70.......................   mean...........           37.26           40.74           39.64          5678.2
                                SD..............           0.747           0.404           0.462           128.1
                                CV..............           2.00%           0.99%           1.16%           2.26%
VRTC 71.......................   mean...........            39.4            42.6           40.26          5594.0
                                SD..............           0.187           0.187           0.385            45.9
                                CV..............           0.47%           0.44%           0.96%           0.82%
Denton 154....................  mean............            38.6            41.9            41.7          5521.3
                                SD..............           0.785           0.659           0.432          72.138
                                CV..............           2.03%           1.57%           1.04%           1.31%
Denton 184....................   mean...........            37.3            40.4            41.2          5760.6
                                SD..............           0.610           0.586           0.628         147.031
                                CV..............           1.63%           1.45%           1.52%           2.55%
Denton ES2-LAB................  mean............            37.7            40.5            40.4          6020.0
                                SD..............           0.764           0.603           0.937         365.095
                                CV..............           2.03%           1.49%           2.32%           6.06%
Denton ES2-3..................   mean...........            38.0            42.4            41.4          5049.5
                                SD..............           0.662           0.441           0.387         111.434
                                CV..............           1.74%           1.04%           0.93%           2.21%
GM 2..............  mean............            40.2            43.9            44.6          5020.0
                                SD..............           0.707           0.283           0.071           0.000
                                CV..............           1.76%           0.64%           0.16%           0.00%
FTSS ES2-001..................  mean............            35.0            40.1            40.0          5422.3
                                SD..............           1.371           0.871           0.800         100.021
                                CV..............           3.92%           2.17%           2.00%           1.84%
FTSS 175-0000-023.............  mean............            36.1            41.2            40.1          5536.4
                                SD..............           1.032           0.410           0.014         132.363
                                CV..............           2.86%           1.00%           0.04%           2.39%
ALL (non-bold only)...........  Mean............            37.4            40.8            40.7          5643.3
                                Stdev...........            1.11            1.09            1.08          268.38
                                CV..............           2.96%           2.67%           2.66%           4.76%
ALL (including bold)..........  Mean............            37.5            40.9            40.8          5667.3
                                Stdev...........            1.31            1.13            1.20          326.92
                                CV..............           3.49%           2.75%           2.95%          5.77%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\*\ NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center.


[[Page 33909]]

5. Performance Corridors
    With regard to the performance corridors for the full body thorax 
test, NHTSA is revising the performance corridors to reflect responses 
obtained from a greater sample of dummies than was available when 
forming the final rule corridors. The revised corridors were derived 
from analysis of the DTESC data set. As explained below, most but not 
all of the DTESC data were used.
    The basis for formation of the final rule performance corridors was 
discussed in the report, ``Development of a Reduced Severity Full Body 
Thorax Certification Procedure and Response Requirements for the ES-2re 
Dummy,'' (Docket NHTSA 2006-25441-13). As NHTSA was developing the full 
body thorax response corridors, the agency believed that the ideal test 
scenario would be to use ribs that met the individual rib drop 
specifications precisely at the upper and lower bounds of the 
individual rib drop corridor. Measurements taken with these ribs would 
allow for prediction of all possible full body thorax responses when 
individually qualifying ribs are installed in the dummy. However, given 
the limited number of rib sets available for testing, it was not 
possible to obtain ribs that responded precisely at the limits of 
acceptable performance. Therefore, some ribs tested in the full body 
test had individual rib drop responses somewhat above or below the 
corridor bounds, while others were within the corridor. The results of 
the full body impact tests were then plotted against the corresponding 
individual rib responses and a linear regression was performed to 
relate the responses of these two tests. Using this regression, the rib 
responses in a full body test at the upper and lower limits of the 
individual rib drop corridor were predicted. Performance corridors for 
the full body test were formed based on the intersection of this 
regression line with the performance limits of the individual rib drop 
test.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Although some tests were conducted outside the limits for 
individual rib qualification, the regression showed a fairly good 
linear correlation between the full body response and the individual 
rib response. Therefore the ``outside'' points did not distort the 
regression.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The agency only used full body tests with the out-of-specification 
individual ribs in the regression and did not use them to determine the 
overall response variability of the thorax. The data set used for the 
formation of performance corridors by statistical means (as discussed 
in the following paragraphs) only included the full body thorax impact 
responses that were generated using ribs that met the requirements of 
the individual rib drop test.
    FTSS petitioned for changes in the ``Peak Impactor Force after 6 
ms'' corridor based on statistical analysis of all NHTSA data along 
with additional data from FTSS, Denton and GM. However, the FTSS data 
set included NHTSA results derived using out-of-specification ribs. 
Moreover, corresponding rib drop results were not provided for the full 
body impact tests conducted by FTSS, Denton and GM. Though the NHTSA 
results using out-of-specification ribs could be removed from the data 
set, it is unknown whether the responses from FTSS, Denton and GM were 
based on ribs that passed qualification tests individually. Therefore, 
results from this data set were not considered for the formulation of 
new performance corridors.
    The data set with which the Alliance and Denton recommended new 
performance corridors was compiled by the SAE DTESC and submitted by 
Denton. This data set contained results from full body and individual 
rib qualification tests conducted at NHTSA, Denton and GM,\13\ and is 
the source for the data analysis and corridor formation discussed in 
the following sections. However, as discussed below, before using this 
data set to establish performance corridors, some results were removed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ Attachment 17 to the Unconfirmed Minutes of the January 19, 
2007 SAE DTESC meeting, submitted as part of Denton's petition for 
reconsideration to the ES-2re final rule, NHTSA Docket No. 25441-17.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    NHTSA data, which was taken from the report ``Development of a 
Reduced Severity Full Body Thorax Certification Procedure and Response 
Requirements for the ES-2re Dummy'' (supra), included results from 
three different dummies. One set of NHTSA responses--included in the 
DTESC dataset--was obtained with a middle rib that did not meet 
individual rib drop specifications (dummy 009, blue springs). Because 
the performance of the dummy in full body impacts would be affected by 
the out-of-spec middle rib, we removed the five tests in this series 
from the data set.
    Denton performed full body thorax tests on four dummies, three of 
which had corresponding individual rib drop test results. We eliminated 
from consideration for corridor formation the dummy that did not have 
individual rib drop results (154). Two other dummies' 
responses in the DTESC data set were also removed. The first was 
another dummy from Denton, ES2-LAB, which (as discussed previously) 
showed unusual peak impactor force responses in that as more tests were 
conducted, the peak impactor force measurement climbed consistently. 
This appeared to be indicative of a problem with this particular dummy, 
as the responses of other Denton dummies were fairly consistent. Denton 
also indicated that the three highest responses of this dummy were 
``after an investigational test series.'' Based on the SAE DTESC 
minutes attached to Denton's petition, it appears that this 
``investigational series'' was actually two series: The first a study 
of the effect of velocity on full body thorax impact results, and the 
second a study looking at the effects of twist angle, tilt angle, and 
vertical position of the dummy. However, the conditions of these test 
series were not provided; therefore it is unknown whether the dummy 
response in the last three qualification tests was altered due to 
previous test conditions.
    The second removed dummy was tested at GM, where two full body 
thorax impact tests were conducted on one dummy. Although passing 
individual rib drop results were provided, this dummy consistently 
showed low impactor force responses and high rib deflections for all 
three ribs, indicating that its behavior differs from the majority of 
dummies. Information on the prior test exposures for this dummy was not 
provided.
    The agency analyzed the resulting data set to evaluate the 
corridors of the final rule and those of the petitions for 
reconsideration, to determine if adjustments to the final rule 
corridors were warranted. Figures 1 to 4 below show the data that was 
retained for corridor formation for each of the four response 
measurements for the full body thorax impact test, as well as--for 
illustration purposes--the data from the removed dummies with passing 
or unknown individual rib drop results (which included three Denton 
dummies, two FTSS dummies, and one GM dummy, as discussed above). (Data 
from those dummies are presented in Figures 1-4 as ``Removed Dummies'' 
and were not included in the data set for statistical analysis, i.e., 
calculation of the mean, standard deviation, etc.)
    Table 3 below summarizes the petitioners' suggested performance 
corridors for the full body thorax impact test, and the corridors 
adopted today in response to the petitions for reconsideration of the 
final rule.

[[Page 33910]]



  Table 3.--Current, Suggested and Revised Performance Corridors for the Full Body Thorax Impact Qualification
                                                      Test
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   December 14,      Alliance                                          NHTSA
           Measurement              2006 final        (2stdev)                                     petitions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peak Upper Rib Deflection (mm)..       33.2-41.3           35-40       33.2-41.3       33.2-41.3           34-41
Peak Middle Rib Deflection (mm).       37.1-45.4           38-43       37.1-45.4       37.1-45.4           37-45
Peak Lower Rib Deflection (mm)..       35.6-43.0           38-44       35.6-43.0       36.4-44.9           37-44
Peak Impactor Force after 6 ms         5173-6118       5045-6344       5039-6159       4720-6669       5100-6200
 (N)............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i) Upper Rib Deflection
    All of the data in the complete dataset (i.e., without any dummies 
removed) fit within the specified final rule corridor of 33.2-41.3 mm, 
as seen in Figure 1 below. The Alliance petitioned to narrow the 
corridor bounds to a range of 35-40 mm. The data set with the indicated 
dummy responses removed (``revised data set'') has a mean deflection of 
37.4 mm, a standard deviation of 1.11 mm and a CV of 2.96 percent. In 
that this CV is less than 3 percent, we could adopt corridor bounds 
that are expanded 3 standard deviations from the mean,\14\ 
or a range of 34.1-40.8 mm. When rounded to the next whole numbers away 
from the mean, this corridor becomes 34-41 mm, which is only slightly 
narrowed compared to the final rule. This corridor contains nearly all 
the NHTSA and DTESC data points, and is well-centered about the mean.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ In rulemakings involving the ES-2re and SID-IIsD, 
performance corridors have been formed under the following method: 
for a CV less than or equal to 3 percent, limits are expanded 3 standard deviations from the mean. For CVs between 3 percent 
and 5 percent, corridor bounds are set at 2 standard 
deviations from the mean. Finally, if the CV is above 5 percent but 
below 10 percent, the bounds are set 10 percent from the 
mean. Following this initial placement, the corridor limits are 
rounded to the next whole number away from the mean, then adjusted 
further if warranted, on a case-by-case basis.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16JN08.002

(ii) Middle Rib Deflection
    All data in the complete DTESC data set also fit within the 
corridors specified in the final rule for middle rib deflection, 37.1-
45.4 mm (see Figure 2 below). However, the Alliance petitioned for 
narrowed corridor bounds of 38-43 mm. Statistical analysis of the 
revised data set resulted in a mean response of 40.8 mm, a standard 
deviation of 1.09 mm and a CV of 2.67 percent. This CV allows for 
corridor bounds placed at 3 standard deviations from the 
mean, or a range of 37.6-44.1 mm (37-45 mm when rounded away from the 
mean). This corridor is very close to the corridor specified in the 
final rule, and includes all the data submitted by the petitioners as 
well as all NHTSA data. Thus, NHTSA is amending the peak middle rib 
deflection corridor to 37-45 mm.

[[Page 33911]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16JN08.003

(iii) Lower Rib Deflection
    Denton and GM dummies in the DTESC-compiled data set submitted in 
Denton's petition for reconsideration show deflections that are 
generally higher than those measured by NHTSA. The final rule specified 
a range of 35.6-43.0 mm, while the Alliance and Denton recommended 
corridors ranging from 38-44 mm and 36.4-44.9 mm, respectively. Based 
on statistical analysis of the revised DTESC data set, an adjustment of 
the corridor bounds to reflect these higher responses from a larger 
population of dummies is appropriate. The revised data set has a mean 
response of 40.7 mm, a standard deviation of 1.08 mm, and a CV of 2.66 
percent. This CV allows for expansion of the bounds 3 
standard deviations from the mean, producing a range of 37.5-43.9 mm, 
or 37-44 mm when rounded away from the mean. This corridor is slightly 
smaller than and shifted upward from the final rule corridor, but wider 
than the corridor for which the Alliance petitioned. This corridor 
contains nearly all petitioner-submitted data as well as all NHTSA data 
(Figure 3).

[[Page 33912]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16JN08.004

(iv) Peak Impactor Force After 6 ms
    The additional peak impactor force data compiled by the SAE DTESC 
and submitted by Denton provide additional points with which to form 
statistically-based corridors. In its petition, the Alliance used this 
data set to propose a corridor of 5045-6344 N, while Denton recommended 
a range of 4720-6669 N, as shown in Figure 4. FTSS recommended a 
performance corridor of 5039-6159 N for this measure. (The FTSS 
corridor is close to the Alliance recommendation, therefore to avoid 
clutter in Figure 4, it is shown to correspond to the Alliance 
corridor.) The mean response derived from the revised data set was 5643 
N, with a SD of 268 N and a CV of 4.76 percent. This CV allows for 
setting the corridor limits at 2 standard deviations from 
the mean, at 5107-6180 N. Rounded away from the mean, the lower and 
upper corridor bounds of the recommended corridor are 5100 N and 6200 
N, respectively, a range very close to that which was petitioned by 
FTSS.

[[Page 33913]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16JN08.005

(v) Width of Performance Corridors
    Denton endorsed the SAE DTESC recommendation to establish 
performance corridor bounds at 3 standard deviations from 
the mean of the data set since the petitioner believed there is ``very 
limited lab-to-lab, technician to technician, and dummy to dummy 
variability included in the data set. Since this is a brand new test, 
it was difficult to accumulate much data * * * since this data set is 
very limited, 99% of the available data should be included since test 
variation always occurs.''
    The agency believes that the data set has sufficient lab-to-lab and 
dummy-to-dummy variability to form performance corridors using the 
standard method (see previous footnote on the method used in 
rulemakings, supra). In all, 76 tests were conducted on ten dummies at 
four laboratories. However, performance corridors were formed based on 
the results of five dummies at two laboratories (49 tests). Although 
data from five dummies were removed for corridor formation due to 
missing individual rib drop results or suspected problems with the 
dummy, nearly all of these results still fit within the revised 
corridors (Figures 1-4, supra). Furthermore, due to the relatively low 
amount of variation that was seen in the data (both the data that was 
used to generate corridors and that which was removed) as shown in 
Table 2, all corridors in the full-body thoracic test with the 
exception of the peak impactor force were set at 3 standard 
deviations from the mean when using the standard method.

e. Cross-References and Typographical Errors in Regulatory Text

    The Alliance and Denton noted a number of incorrect cross-
references in the December 14, 2006 final rule. Denton noted these by 
attaching a copy of the January 19, 2007 SAE DTES meeting minutes.\15\ 
The suggested corrections are discussed below. Also, at the end of this 
section we correct two minor errors that we found on our own.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ Submitted in Denton's petition for reconsideration, NHTSA 
Docket No. 25441-17.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    1. In 572.183(b)(1), reference 572.189(o) should be 572.189(n).
    NHTSA agrees that Part 572.183(b)(1) should be amended to read, 
``Soak the neck-headform assembly in a test environment as specified in 
Sec.  572.189(n)'' * * *
    2. In 572.185(b)(1)(i), reference 572.189(o) should be 572.189(n).
    We agree that 572.185(b)(1)(i) should be changed to read, ``Soak 
the rib modules (175-4002) in a test environment as specified in Sec.  
572.189(n)'' * * *
    3. In 572.183(b)(5), reference 572.189(k) should be 572.189(j).
    We agree that in 572.183(b)(5), ``Time zero is defined in Sec.  
572.189(k)'' should be changed to ``Time zero is defined in Sec.  
572.189(j).''
    4. The table name for the table between 572.183(b)(5) and 
572.183(c), ``Table to 1 to Paragraph (A),'' should be ``Table 1 to 
Paragraph (a),'' as called out in 572.183(b)(3). The agency agrees to 
correct the typographical error in the title for this table to read: 
``Table 1 to Paragraph (a)'' (changing ``A'' to lower case ``a'' and 
removing the word ``to'' between ``Table'' and ``1'').
    5. Petitioners believe that in 572.186(b)(6), reference 572.189(k) 
should be 572.189(j).
    NHTSA does not agree that the reference should be 572.189(j). 
Qualification tests of the abdomen require that time zero be determined 
using the procedures specified in Sec.  572.189(k). Thus, the reference 
should remain as in the final rule.
    6. In 572.187(b)(1), reference 572.189(o) should be 572.189(n).
    We agree to changing the reference as petitioned, so that the text 
of 572.187(b)(1) reads, ``Soak the lumbar spine-headform assembly in a 
test

[[Page 33914]]

environment as specified in Sec.  572.189(n)'' * * *
    7. In 572.187(b)(5), reference 572.189(k) should be 572.189(j).
    NHTSA agrees that in 572.187(b)(5), ``Time zero is defined in Sec.  
572.189(k).'' should be changed to ``Time zero is defined in Sec.  
572.189(j).''
    8. In 572.188(b)(4), reference ``Figure U5'' should be ``Figure 
U6.''
    We agree. In the NPRM, the reference in 572.188(b)(4) to Figure U5 
was correct. However, with the addition of a figure for thorax impact 
in the final rule, the pelvis impact illustration became Figure U6. 
Therefore, 572.188(b)(4) should be amended to read, ``* * *as shown in 
Figure U6 in Appendix A * * *'' Additionally, there is an omission in 
section 572.188(b). The section fails to define the procedure for 
determining time zero. NHTSA is adding 572.188(b)(6) to state: ``Time 
zero is defined in Sec.  572.189(k).''
    9. Petitioners stated that in 572.188(c)(1), reference 572.189(k) 
should be 572.189(j).
    NHTSA does not agree that the reference should be 572.189(j). For 
correct analysis of pelvis qualification data, time zero must be 
defined following the procedures given in Sec.  572.189(k). However, 
since the correct specification for time zero was added in 
572.188(b)(6), the reference to time zero in this section is 
unnecessary and is hereby removed.
    10. Petitioners believe that in 572.188(c)(2), reference 572.189(k) 
should be 572.189(j).
    We do not agree. Pelvis qualification tests require that time zero 
be defined according to the procedure specified in Sec.  572.189(k). 
However, since the correct specification for time zero was added in 
572.188(b)(6), the reference to time zero in this section is 
unnecessary and is hereby removed.
    11. The agency has found an error in Figure U2-A, which specifies 
the pendulum for neck/lumbar spine qualification tests to be the ``Part 
572 Subpart E Pendulum (Figure 15)''. The description and 
figure number do not refer to the same pendulum. This document makes a 
technical amendment by correcting the reference to read, ``Part 572 
Subpart E Pendulum (Figure 22)''.
    12. 572.181(a)(5) references SAE 1733 Information Report, ``Sign 
Convention for Vehicle Crash Testing,'' dated July 15, 1986. The 
correct reference should be to SAE J1733 dated December 1994.

f. Drawing Package and PADI

    The petitions for reconsideration suggested minor changes to a 
number of drawings in the ES-2re drawing package. These requests are 
discussed below, along with agency responses. Corrections are also made 
to the PADI. Because the drawings in the drawing package and the PADI 
are being changed as discussed below, this final rule updates the 
references to the drawing package, parts list, and PADI incorporated by 
reference by the December 14, 2006 final rule. The December 2006 final 
rule referenced materials dated September 2006; today's final rule 
references a drawing package, parts list, and PADI dated February 2008.
1. Drawing 175-2000, Neck Assembly Test/Cert
    Denton stated that the screws listed in item number 5, M6x18, ``are 
too long and will interfere with the rubber of the neck.'' Denton 
recommended shortening the length so that item 5 lists screws M6x16.
    Agency Response: We agree with the change. The Neck Bracket 
attachment area has a thickness of 12 mm and the Neck Head & Torso 
Interface Plate has a thickness of 5.0 mm at threads for a total 
thickness of 17 mm, thus an 18 mm fastener could possibly interfere 
with the rubber in the neck. A 16 mm fastener should be sufficient. 
Thus, on drawing 175-2000, we have modified item number 5 to read 
``Screw, SHCS M6x16.'' Conforming changes were also made to the PADI 
and parts/drawings list.
2. Drawing 175-2002, Neck Intermediate Plate
    FTSS indicated that the 8.7 mm dimension in section B-B is 
incorrect, and should be 9.0 mm. Denton also requested that this 
dimension be changed to 9 mm, as it was changed from 9.0 mm in the NPRM 
``without comment or documentation'' to 8.7 mm in the final rule.
    Agency Response: It is not possible to measure this part without 
destroying it because it is molded into the neck. However, given that 
both manufacturers have asked for the same value, which is only 0.3 mm 
from the existing dimension, we have decided to accept the petitioned 
value. Additionally, as stated by Denton, this dimension was 9 mm in 
the ES-2re NPRM drawing package, and no reason was provided as to why 
the value was changed. Accordingly, we are modifying drawing 175-2002 
by replacing the dimension 8.7 +0/-0.2 in section B-B with 9.0 +0.0/-
0.2.
3. Drawing 175-2004, Half Spherical Screw
    FTSS believes that the specification for plating was removed and 
needs to be added.
    Agency Response: The petitioner seeks to reinsert a phrase that was 
in the original drawing, which called for ``ZINC PLATE AND COLOR 
PASSIVE PLATE THICKNESS 5 TO 8 MICRONS.'' The petitioner did not 
provide justification for requiring this finish. However, since 
referring to this finish would provide some guidance to dummy users, we 
are adding the following note to drawing 175-2004: ``OPTIONAL FINISH: 
ZINC PLATE AND COLOR PASSIVE PLATE THICKNESS 5 TO 8 MICRONS.''
4. Drawing 175-2505, Eye Bolt
    FTSS recommended removal of the note ``NO UNDER CUT,'' believing it 
to be unnecessary.
    Agency Response: FTSS is correct. We have removed the note ``NO 
UNDER CUT'' from drawing 175-2505.
5. Drawing 175-3002, Shoulder Spacer Block
    FTSS requested that the ``location dimension for dimension M5x12 
(B3), center line symbol * * * be added to the left view.'' Denton also 
commented that there is no location dimension for the M5x12 hole.
    Agency Response: We have added a center line symbol to the left 
view to define the location of the M5x12 DP dimension.
6. Drawing 175-3003, Shoulder ``U'' Spring
    FTSS stated that the tolerance 0.001 is unrealistic, 
and recommends increasing it to 0.010.
    Agency Response: The shoulder response would not be adversely 
affected by the suggested change, as the shoulder cord plays a much 
more significant role in the shoulder response. We thus agree to change 
the tolerance of the 0.710 dimension from 0.001 to 0.010.
7. Drawing 175-3004, Shoulder Cam Clavicle Assembly
    Denton requested that this drawing have an option note similar to 
the note on load cell SA572-S72, which allows optional use of M6x16 
FHCS instead of M6x16 BHCS.
    Agency Response: Although drawing 175-3004 specifies use of M6x18 
BHCS, not M6x16 BHCS as the petitioner cited, we assume that the 
petitioner's issue lies in the optional use of FHCS (rather than screw 
length). However, as we were considering this suggested change,

[[Page 33915]]

we noticed that while drawing 175-3004 specifies use of M6x1x18 BHCS, 
the corresponding load cell drawing (SA572-S72) specifies M6x1x16 BHCS/
FHCS. NHTSA believes that either screw length is acceptable. 
Nonetheless, since the load cell specifies M6x16 and the petitioner 
sought to specify the M6x16 length screws, we are changing the screw 
specification on drawing 175-3004 to M6x1x16. With regard to the 
petitioner's specific request, the proposed change to optionally allow 
the use of FHCS would make the shoulder cam clavicle and shoulder load 
cell structural replacement consistent with the actual shoulder load 
cell. Accordingly, we have modified drawing 175-3004 by changing item 
number 3 to read ``SCREW, BHCS M6x1x16'' and adding a note that 
optionally allows use of FHCS M6x1x16 over the BHCS M6x1x16 of that 
drawing. (A conforming change was made to the parts/drawings list). 
Also in this drawing, the description of item 1 was corrected 
to be ``SHOULDER CAM CLAVICLE ASSY,'' and the spellings of ``CAM'' and 
``CLAVICLE'' in revision record C were corrected.
8. Drawings 175-3017, Shoulder Cam Clavicle; 175-3005-2 and 175-3005-3, 
T-Inserts
    In its original petition for reconsideration, FTSS recommended 
merging drawings 175-3005-2 and 175-3005-3 to prevent damage to the 
shoulder cam clavicle caused by over-tightening the screws. In an 
addendum to the petition, FTSS stated that ``a number of ES-2re dummy 
users have inadvertently used longer screws than specified on the 
drawing and accidentally cracked the shoulder cam due to the bottoming 
out of the screws.'' To prevent this, FTSS recommended ``[changing] the 
threaded insert into a one piece design, with a through thread.'' The 
drawing for the new part was provided in the FTSS addendum, and given 
part no. 175-3005-4, ``Insert, Shoulder Cam Load Cell.'' FTSS also 
recommended that the name of drawing 175-3017 be changed to ``Shoulder 
Cam Clavicle For Load Cell,'' and that item 1 (175-3005-3, T-
insert, M6) be deleted and replaced with ``175-3005-4, Insert, Shoulder 
Cam Load Cell.''
    Agency Response: We understand that FTSS is suggesting that insert 
175-3005-2 remain unchanged, and that insert 175-3005-3 should be 
replaced with 175-3005-4.
    With regard to the requested name change for drawing 175-3017, 
NHTSA sought clarification from FTSS regarding its request. Since the 
shoulder cam clavicle is compatible with both the load cell and the 
structural replacement, it was unclear why FTSS recommended that the 
name specify the load cell alone. FTSS responded that originally, in 
the ES-2 dummy, there was no clavicle load cell and the part was named 
``Shoulder Cam Clavicle.'' When the clavicle load cell was introduced, 
FTSS re-named the ES-2 part ``Shoulder Cam Clavicle for Load Cell'' to 
distinguish between the two parts. When the clavicle load cell became 
standard in the ES-2re NPRM, the part name was changed back to 
``Shoulder Cam Clavicle,'' which FTSS stated has caused confusion in 
the industry. FTSS therefore recommended that the name be changed to 
``Shoulder Cam Clavicle for Load Cell'' to eliminate this confusion and 
for consistency between the ES-2 and ES-2re part names.
    After considering this information, NHTSA has determined that the 
name change to ``Shoulder Cam Clavicle for Load Cell'' may still cause 
confusion, since the part is compatible with the load cell or 
structural replacement. However, we have decided that changing the name 
to ``Shoulder Cam Clavicle for Load Cell or Structural Replacement'' is 
acceptable.
    Thus, we have replaced 175-3005-3 with the FTSS suggested drawing 
175-3005-4. However, this part was given the name ``Insert, Shoulder 
Cam'' due to the fact that it is used in the ``Shoulder Cam Clavicle 
for Load Cell or Structural Replacement,'' and not in the load cell 
exclusively. We have updated the drawing views and reference to this 
part on drawing 175-3017. Also, we have changed the name of 175-3017 to 
``Shoulder Cam Clavicle for Load Cell or Structural Replacement,'' as 
reflected in this drawing as well as in item 1 of drawing 175-3016. 
Conforming changes were also made to the parts/drawings list.
9. Drawing 175-3018, Shoulder Load Cell, Structural Replacement
    Denton stated that this part should have an option note similar to 
the SA572-S72 load cell note that gives the option to use a countersink 
for a M6x16 FHCS.
    Agency Response: As stated above for drawing 175-3004 (above), the 
suggested change would make the structural replacement consistent with 
the load cell. Accordingly, we have modified drawing 175-3018 by adding 
a note that optionally allows countersinks for M6x16 FHCS.
10. Drawing 175-3007, Elastic Cord Holder
    FTSS requested that the phrase ``EXCEPT FOR MOUNTING HOLES'' be 
deleted from note 3.
    Agency Response: This request is denied. Note 3 in drawing 175-3007 
actually states ``EXCEPT FOR MOUNTING HOLE CENTERS.'' If a tolerance of 
1 mm were allowed on the hole center dimension, this would 
allow the hole centers to vary from 69.0 mm to 71.0 mm. The 
corresponding holes on mating parts 175-3001 ``SHOULDER BOTTOM PLATE'' 
and 175-3008 ``SHOULDER TOP PLATE'' have centers separated by 70.0 mm 
 0.1 mm (69.9 mm to 70.1 mm). Although the holes in part 
175-3007 are clearance holes, their diameter is only 0.3 mm larger than 
the diameter of the corresponding holes in 175-3001 and -3008. 
Therefore, to achieve alignment of the clearance and threaded holes, 
the hole centers of the elastic cord holder and shoulder plate can only 
differ a maximum of 0.15 mm. The FTSS approach would allow a maximum 
distance of 0.55 mm between the elastic cord holder hole centers and 
the shoulder plate hole centers, which would result in the potential 
for misalignment of the holes.
11. Drawing 175-3010, Shoulder Foam Pad
    Denton recommended that a weight of 0.5-0.7 lb be specified ``to 
help control the reproducibility of the part.''
    Agency Response: This request is denied. NHTSA weighed several 
shoulder foam pads, with samples from each manufacturer. The Denton ATD 
samples were: Dummy D038-0.56 lb (0.25 kg) and Dummy 
D037-0.53 lb (0.24 kg); while the FTSS samples were: Dummy 
016-0.38 lb (0.17 kg) (very soft foam); Dummy 070-
0.50 lb (0.25 kg); and Dummy 071-0.41 lb (0.19 kg). Although 
the majority of the shoulder foam pads would meet the suggested 
requirement, the requirement is unnecessary because the weight of dummy 
components is sufficiently defined by the segment weight (in this case, 
the thorax segment weight defined on 175-0000, sheet 2 of 6). In 
addition, it is not evident that the shoulder foam pad plays a 
significant role in the response of the dummy such that tighter 
controls on the foam pad weight are necessary.
12. Drawing 175-3501, Arm Flesh Assembly, Left/Right
    Denton recommended specifying a weight of 2.86  0.22 lb 
``to help control the reproducibility of the part.''
    Agency Response: This request is denied. Denton's proposed 
specification

[[Page 33916]]

of 2.86  0.22 lb for the arm flesh assembly when converted 
to the international system of units is equivalent to the 1.3  0.1 kg listed on 175-0000 for the whole arm. The whole arm, as 
defined on 175-0000, consists of the arm flesh assembly (drawing 175-
3501) plus the pivot stop plate (175-3502). Thus the arm flesh alone 
cannot have the same weight specification as that for the whole arm.
13. Drawing 175-4003, Rib Assembly-Rib Extensions
    FTSS stated that ``the two holes of [diameter] 10 on the lower side 
of the left view (C7) are not used. It was carried from the standard 
ES-2 design, and shall be removed.'' Similarly, Denton claimed ``two of 
the holes on the non-struck side are not used for anything. These holes 
add cost and have no value. We request that they be removed or made 
optional.''
    Agency Response: While there is no obvious function of the holes, 
the holes might be useful in the manufacturing process for location 
and/or alignment purposes. Accordingly, we have modified drawing 175-
4003 by indicating that the two holes on the lower side of the left 
view (the non-struck side) are optional.
14. Drawing 175-4004, Rib, Bent Rib Extension
    FTSS requested a material change from CS80 to CS70. Additionally, 
FTSS notes that ``the two holes 2x n4.75 of the left view (C7) is [sic] 
unnecessary and shall be removed (related to 175-4003).'' Denton gave 
the same comment as for drawing 175-4003 (above).
    Agency Response: As stated above, we agree that the holes are 
unnecessary and can be made optional. Thus, we have modified drawing 
175-4004 by adding ``OPTIONAL'' to the hole note describing the two 
4.75 mm diameter holes. With regard to the suggested material change 
from CS80 to CS70, it is not evident that the change would result in 
equivalent dummy performance. However, it is noted that the specified 
material is not a requirement (i.e., it states ``Material Ref.'' where 
Ref. is short for ``Reference''). As such, the manufacturer is free to 
use the material of its choice, provided that the final assembly 
complies with all the applicable performance requirements, such as rib 
drops and thorax impacts. Accordingly, we have denied the request to 
change the material to CS70.
15. Drawing 175-4010, Rail Guide Assembly
    Denton stated that the bushing, item 6, is an extra part that 
should be made optional as it ``adds cost and no value if item 2 is 
made without a counterbore.'' This request is related to that for 
drawing 175-4012 below.
    Agency Response: We agree to make item 6 (bushing) optional. See 
response relating to drawing 175-4012 below.
16. Drawing 175-4011, M-Rail
    FTSS noted a location dimension of 3.5 mm from the center line 
needs to be added for the threaded hole 4xM3x.5. Denton also noted that 
these holes (2 on each end of part) do not have location dimensions.
    FTSS also requested that a note stating ``clearance cut when 
necessary'' be added and point to the tip of the ``V'' groove. 
Similarly, Denton requested ``that an undercut be allowed at the bottom 
of the V-groove as an option to simplify the manufacturing,'' as it 
will not ``change the functionality of the part.''
    Agency Response: The agency agrees with the request to add a 
location dimension for the 4xM3x.5 hole. Additionally, using a 
clearance cut (or undercut) is a common manufacturing process for this 
type of V-groove feature and will not affect performance in any way. We 
have thus modified drawing 176-4011 to add dimensions to define the 
locations of the 4xM3x.5 holes, and a note ``CLEARANCE CUT WHEN 
NECESSARY'' to point to the tip of the V-groove.
17. Drawing 175-4012, V-Rail
    Denton stated that the bushing (item 6 in 175-4010) is unnecessary 
and can rattle. They therefore request that the 8.5 mm counterbore in 
the V-rail be listed as optional so that this bushing can be left out 
to reduce costs.
    Agency Response: We agree that the bushing is unnecessary and have 
made its use optional in drawing 175-4010 (above). Since the bushing is 
optional, we have modified drawing 175-4012 by adding a note that the 
counterbores are optional.
18. Drawing 175-4020, Piston Thorax
    Denton requested that the M2.5 threaded hole be made 7 mm deep 
instead of 6 mm to make sure that the long screw (item 15 on 175-4006) 
does not bottom out.
    Agency Response: We agree. The suggested change will not affect 
performance. We have modified the M2.5 dimension to indicate 7.0 mm of 
depth instead of 6.0 mm.
19. Drawing 175-4022, Transducer Mount Thorax
    Denton stated that the screws and potentiometer could make contact 
in the current configuration. To prevent contact, Denton requested that 
the 9.2 mm dimension be increased to 9.35 mm.
    Agency Response: We agree. The agency believes that this request 
will eliminate the potential for damaging the potentiometer housing due 
to interference with the fastener, without affecting the dummy's 
performance. Thus, we have modified drawing 175-4022 by increasing the 
9.2 mm dimension to 9.35 mm.
20. Inconsistency Between Drawing 175-4040, Spring 16.4 N/mm Black, and 
PADI
    As discussed in the preamble, the petitioners pointed out an 
inconsistency between the drawing and the PADI manual (page 29, table 
5.9) as to the spring rate of 16.4 N/mm versus 16.6 N/mm.
    Agency Response: As discussed in the preamble, the spring rate of 
16.4 N/mm shown in the drawing is correct. We have corrected the PADI 
to provide a spring rate of 16.4 N/mm.
21. Drawings 175-4040 (Spring 16.4 N/mm Black), 175-4041 (Spring 13.8 
N/mm White), 175-4042 (Spring 19.0 N/mm Blue)
    As discussed in the preamble, the petitioners recommended changes 
to the tolerance values for the spring rates shown in Note 2 of all 
three drawings.
    Agency Response: As discussed in the preamble, we revised drawings 
175-4040, 175-4041 and 175-4042 to specify a spring rate tolerance of 
1.0 N/mm.
22. Drawings 175-4032 (Rib Accelerometer Mount), SA572-S81 
(Accelerometer Mount, Head C.G.), SA572-S82 (Accel Mounting Block, 
Upper Spine/Pelvis SA572-S4), SA572-S83 (Accel Mount Block, Spine T12 
SA572-S4)
    Denton recommended adding a note that instructs machinist to scribe 
``M1.4'' near one set of these holes to indicate that metric screws are 
necessary for mounting the accelerometers and to prevent possible 
damage to the holes if standard screws were used.
    Agency Response: We agree that the note is desirable to make 
clearer the type of fastener required for this application, as it is 
unusual to use a metric fastener for this application. However, 
inasmuch as this inscription is only for convenience, we have made the 
note ``Optional.'' We have thus modified the above drawings by adding

[[Page 33917]]

a note that the machinist can optionally scribe M1.4 near one of the 
holes to indicate that metric screws are to be used. Additionally, for 
drawing 175-4032, Rib Accelerometer Mount, two M1.6 holes are also 
present on the same face of this part; thus, a separate note was added 
to optionally scribe ``M1.6'' near this set of holes.
23. Drawing 175-5010, Abdomen Molded Assembly, Certified
    Denton recommended specifying the weight of this component to be 
7.0-9.0 lb ``to help control the reproducibility of the part.''
    Agency Response: We are denying this request. The abdomen molded 
assembly weight is sufficiently specified by the abdominal assembly 
weight on sheet 2 of 175-0000. Further, the agency weighed a sample 
molded abdomen assembly from manufacturers Denton and FTSS. The Denton 
dummy was: D038--8.03 lb (3.64 kg); while the FTSS dummy was: 
016--8.29 lb (3.76 kg). Both manufacturers met the suggested 
requirement in the absence of the weight specification.
24. Drawing 175-5012-1, Ballast, Lead, Left and Drawing 175-5012-2, 
Ballast, Lead, Right
    Denton noted that drawing 175-5012-1 is found twice in the drawing 
package, where revision notes are included on one drawing but not the 
other. FTSS and Denton noted that drawing 175-5012-2, Ballast Lead, 
Right, was not included in the drawing package.
    FTSS also recommended renaming drawing 175-5012-1\16\ as ``Ballast, 
Left'' and changing the note ``LEAD FILLED SLAB'' to ``LEAD OR 
EQUIVALENT FILLED SLAB.'' The petitioner stated that adding ``or 
equivalent'' would allow dummy manufacturers to use materials other 
than lead in the future. FTSS also wanted NHTSA to add ``or 
equivalent'' to the missing drawing 175-5012-2 for the same reason.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ In its petition, FTSS referred to Drawing 175-5011-1 
regarding this matter. Based on the context of the petition, we 
assume that FTSS meant to refer to Drawing 175-5012-1 when it 
referred to drawing 175-5011-1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Agency Response: With regards to 175-5012-1 being found twice in 
the drawing package and 175-5012-2 not at all, we have named the first 
drawing 175-5012-1 ``BALLAST, LEFT.'' We have changed the number and 
name of the second copy of drawing 175-5012-1 to 175-5012-2, ``BALLAST, 
RIGHT,'' respectively. Further, we agree that changing the note ``LEAD 
FILLED SLAB'' to ``LEAD OR EQUIVALENT FILLED SLAB'' for both drawings 
would allow the use of alternate materials, and that the change will 
not affect the dummy's performance. We have changed the titles of the 
revised drawings to ``BALLAST, LEFT'' and ``BALLAST, RIGHT,'' to 
reflect the fact that the part would not necessarily be made of lead. 
Conforming changes were also made to the parts/drawings list.
25. Drawing 175-5501, Lumbar Spine Molded
    FTSS stated that the 135 mm length dimension should be changed to 
136 mm.
    Agency Response: This part is a common part with the Hybrid II 50th 
male spine, which is defined in ATD-7102 as 5.375 inches, or 136.5 mm. 
NHTSA measured samples from each dummy manufacturer. The results were: 
Denton D038 = 135 mm; FTSS 016 = 137 mm. Thus it 
appears that both manufacturers could meet the suggested dimension and 
the change would be consistent with the part used in the Hybrid II 
dummy. Thus, we have modified drawing no. 175-5501 by changing the 
1352 dimension to 1362.
26. Drawing 175-6041, Sacrum Cover Plate
    FTSS stated that the optional cut out shown in C3 and detail A 
should be removed because it is unnecessary.
    Agency Response: The request is denied. The optional cutout is in 
place to allow instrumentation cables to exit from the dummy without 
being pinched. FTSS dummies have clearance for cables without this 
cutout but Denton dummies do not have sufficient clearance, and thus 
the cutout is needed. It is noted that the cutout is optional; 
therefore if FTSS does not want to include the cutout, it is entirely 
acceptable to omit it. Accordingly, the cutout will remain optional. 
However, we are correcting the spelling of the word ``MATERIAL'' in the 
drawing.
27. Drawing 175-6045, Lumbar Mounting Plate
    FTSS requested removal of the 3x120[deg] dimension and updating of 
the isometric view of the part to show the 4-hole pattern. Likewise, 
Denton requested the updating of all views (isometric and side view) to 
show the 4-hole pattern, and removal of the ``extra angle dimension.''
    Agency Response: We agree with the suggested changes. The original 
design of the mounting plate was for a 3-hole pattern. The mistakes 
identified by the petitioners have been carried over from the original 
design. NHTSA has revised the isometric and side views and has removed 
the unnecessary angle dimension in drawing 175-6045 to show the 4-hole 
pattern that is illustrated in the top view. Correction was also made 
to the pelvis assembly drawing, 175-6000 to show the 4-hole pattern on 
this part, and the quantity of item 28 (screw, SHCS \1/4\-20 x \5/8\) 
on 175-6000 was increased to 4. Conforming changes were also made to 
the PADI and parts/drawings list.
28. Drawing 175-6050, Pelvis Molded, Certified
    Denton recommended specifying the weight of this part as 6.5-6.9 lb 
``to help control the reproducibility of the part.''
    Agency Response: This request is denied. NHTSA weighed sample parts 
from each manufacturer and they both met the suggested tolerance. 
Nonetheless, the segment weights specified in 175-0000, sheet 2 of 6, 
sufficiently define the dummy's weight distribution.
29. Drawing SA572-S53, Rotary Potentiometer
    Denton recommended reducing the independent linearity to 0.10%. They claim that the current 0.25% value allows 
for an error of 0.88[deg] (a total of 1.75[deg]), which is 
greater than 10% of the width of the neck and lumbar corridors 
(10[deg]). A 0.10% linearity value would allow for a total 
error of only 0.7[deg], and potentiometers can be purchased with this 
tolerance level.
    Agency Response: The request is denied. While the suggested 
potentiometer would provide less error in measuring the dummy's 
response, it is not clear there is a problem that needs addressing, or 
what the cost ramifications of the suggested change would be. We do not 
believe it would be appropriate to introduce this change at this time.
30. Drawing SA572-S70, 6 Axis Upper Neck Load Cell
    FTSS recommended removing the Y axis symbol on the main view and 
the Z axis symbol on the right view because they ``do not follow J211 
sign convention and are unnecessary.'' FTSS also believed that My,oc is 
calculated with a minus sign rather than a plus sign. Denton stated 
that the sign between terms for calculating My,oc should be `-' rather 
than `+'. Denton also recommended removing the Y and Z arrows from the 
side and top view, as they are incorrectly labeled: ``the load cell 
side view shows Z force in compression, this is incorrect. The load 
cell top view shows the top of the load cell to the right, this is 
incorrect.'' Denton recommended keeping only the arrows under the 
isometric view.

[[Page 33918]]

    Agency Response: We agree that the Y- and Z-axis symbols are 
confusing and should be removed. Additionally, the My,oc formula is 
incorrect as currently written on the print and the ``+'' should be a 
``-''. Accordingly, we have modified drawing SA572-S70 by removing the 
Y- and Z-axis symbols from the top and side views, and by correcting 
the formula for My,oc as petitioned. The spelling of ``Newton'' in 
``Newton-Meters'' was also corrected.
31. Drawing SA572-S71-1, Lower Neck Load Cell Assembly
    FTSS recommended removing the X-Z coordinate system between the top 
and side views, as it is incorrect (according to SAE J211 sign 
convention) and unnecessary. Denton made a similar recommendation for 
this drawing, but referenced all three drawings of this assembly 
(SA572-S71-1, -2 and -3).
    Agency Response: The petitioners' comments are correct. It is 
assumed that Denton was referring only to the side view polarity arrows 
in drawing SA572-S71-1, but as polarity arrows were also provided on 
drawing SA572-S71-2, it is recommended that these be removed as well. 
We have removed the polarity arrows in drawings SA572-S71-1 and -2.
32. Drawing SA572-S71-3, Lower Neck Load Cell-Mounting Bracket
    Denton recommended deleting this drawing, as the base shown is 
``specific to a lower neck load cell manufactured by FTSS.'' The Denton 
mounting bracket has a different hole pattern. Denton claimed that 
``drawing SA572-S71-1 can define the assembly,'' with dimensions added 
to specify the overall size dimensions of the assembly.
    Agency Response: Because no additional details were provided in the 
petition, the agency requested that the petitioner provide more 
information supporting its request. (A September 14, 2007 memorandum 
describes this communication with Denton, see Docket NHTSA-2006-25441-
0020.) Denton provided a suggested method for adding dimensions to the 
drawing specifying the overall size of the mounting bracket and 
ensuring that the load cell is properly located. (Id.) The agency has 
evaluated the petitioner's recommendation and has determined that it is 
acceptable. Thus, as petitioned, drawing SA572-S71-3 is removed, and 
critical dimensions are added to drawing SA572-S71-1 to define the 
mounting bracket. Additionally, load cell information from drawing 
SA572-S71-2 is moved to drawing SA572-S71-1 and SA572-S71-2 is also 
removed from the drawing package. The ``REV'' and ``No. SHT'' entries 
for drawings SA572-S71-2 and SA572-S71-3 were removed from the parts/
drawings list, but the parts remain on the list since they are 
referenced on drawing SA572-S71-1.
33. Drawing SA572-S76, Lumbar Load Cell
    FTSS stated that the X and Y symbols below the side and top view 
should be removed, as they ``do not follow SAE J211 sign convention and 
are unnecessary.'' Denton made a similar comment, and added that the 
axes label under the isometric view should remain in the drawing. 
Denton also stated that Fx in the channel list should be changed to Fz.
    Agency Response: The petitioners' comments are correct. We have 
modified the drawing to remove the X-Y and X-Z coordinate system 
symbols from the top and side views of drawing SA572-S76. In the 
channel list, ``Fx'' has been changed to ``Fz''.
34. Drawing SA572-S77, Pubic Load Cell
    FTSS recommended removing the ``Y'' symbol because ``it can be 
installed both ways and may not reflect the SAE J211 sign convention.'' 
Denton recommended either reversing the arrow for Fy polarity ``or 
[moving it] to the other side of the load cell to show tension on the 
load cell for correct polarity.''
    Agency Response: It is not essential to show the load cell polarity 
on this drawing, therefore we have deleted the ``Y'' symbol from the 
side view of drawing SA572-S77.
35. Drawing SA572-S81, Accelerometer Mount, Head C.G.
    It was brought to NHTSA's attention by FTSS that the ES-2re head 
assembly drawings do not allow for placement of the three head 
accelerometers such that their axis intersection point \17\ coincides 
with the head center of gravity. Specifically, the z-axis location of 
the axis intersection point is 4.6 mm below the head CGz location as 
specified in drawings 175-0000 sheet 2 of 6 and 175-1000.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ Each accelerometer has one axis (called a seismic axis) 
along which it measures acceleration. The axis intersection point is 
the location in space where the seismic axes from each of the three 
head accelerometers meet.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Agency Response: To rectify this situation, the agency is modifying 
the head accelerometer mount (SA572-S81) by increasing its thickness 
4.6 mm. This change raises the mounting location of the x- and y-axis 
accelerometers, thereby raising the z-axis location of the axis 
intersection point.
36. Drawing SA572-S82, ``Accel Mounting Block, Upper Spine/Pelvis 
SA572-S4''
    Denton recommended adding a hole note to define the M1.4 threaded 
holes.
    Agency Response: The petitioner is correct that the tapped hole 
note is missing. We have revised drawing SA572-S82 by adding a hole 
note as Denton suggested.
37. Weight and Center of Gravity (CG)
    FTSS stated that they are currently evaluating weight and CG 
specifications, and ``will submit recommended values if different than 
the Final Rule drawings.''
    Agency Response: FTSS did not provide additional information 
regarding the weight and CG specifications of the ES-2re dummy. The 
weight and CG specifications listed in the December 14, 2006 final rule 
are unchanged.
38. Other Changes to Drawing Package, PADI, and Parts/Drawings List
     The revision letters on the drawings and in the parts/
drawings list were updated for all changed drawings.
     Drawing 175-3000, Shoulder Assembly: The description of 
item 4, ``Shoulder Cam Clavicle Assembly for Loadcell'' was corrected 
to be ``Shoulder Cam Clavicle Assembly''. The revision was updated on 
the drawing and parts/drawings list as a result of this change.
     Parts/Drawings List, Drawing 175-3016: The spelling of the 
drawing name was corrected.
     PADI, page 2: The docket number and the Web site for the 
location of the revised drawings were updated.
     PADI, page 31: The spelling of ``too'' was corrected.

V. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' provides 
for making determinations whether a regulatory action is 
``significant'' and therefore subject to Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) review and to the requirements of the Executive Order. 
This rulemaking action was not considered a significant regulatory 
action under Executive Order 12866. This rulemaking action was also 
determined not to be significant under the Department of 
Transportation's (DOT's) regulatory policies and procedures (44 FR 
11034, February 26, 1979).

[[Page 33919]]

    NHTSA's specifications in 49 CFR Part 572 for a 50th percentile 
adult male side impact dummy that the agency will use in research, 
compliance tests of the Federal side impact protection safety 
standards, and consumer information programs do not impose any 
requirements on anyone. Businesses would be affected only if they 
choose to manufacture or test with the dummy. The cost of an 
uninstrumented ES-2re is in the range of $54-57,000. Instrumentation 
adds approximately $43-47,000 for minimum requirements and 
approximately $80-84,000 for maximum instrumentation to the cost of the 
dummy, depending on the number of data channels the user chooses to 
collect. The amendments made in today's document will not affect the 
cost of the dummy. Because the economic impacts of this final rule are 
minimal, no further regulatory evaluation is necessary.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA) of 1996), whenever an agency is required to publish a proposed 
or final rule, it must prepare and make available for public comment a 
regulatory flexibility analysis that describes the effect of the rule 
on small entities (i.e., small businesses, small organizations, and 
small governmental jurisdictions), unless the head of the agency 
certifies the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. The Small Business 
Administration's regulations at 13 CFR Part 121 define a small 
business, in part, as a business entity ``which operates primarily 
within the United States.'' (13 CFR 121.105(a)).
    We have considered the effects of this rulemaking under the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act. I hereby certify that this rulemaking 
action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. This action will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because the 
rule does not impose or rescind any requirements for anyone. The 
amendments made in this document will not affect the cost of the dummy. 
NHTSA does not require anyone to manufacture the dummy or to test 
vehicles with it.

National Environmental Policy Act

    NHTSA has analyzed this final rule for the purposes of the National 
Environmental Policy Act and determined that it will not have any 
significant impact on the quality of the human environment.

Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    Executive Order 13132 requires NHTSA to develop a process to ensure 
``meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the 
development of regulatory policies that have federalism implications.'' 
``Policies that have federalism implications'' is defined in the 
Executive Order to include regulations that have ``substantial direct 
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.'' Under 
Executive Order 13132, the agency may not issue a regulation with 
federalism implications, that imposes substantial direct compliance 
costs, and that is not required by statute, unless the Federal 
government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct compliance 
costs incurred by State and local governments, the agency consults with 
State and local governments, or the agency consults with State and 
local officials early in the process of developing the regulation.
    NHTSA has examined today's final rule pursuant to Executive Order 
13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999) and concluded that no additional 
consultation with States, local governments or their representatives is 
mandated beyond the rulemaking process. The agency has concluded that 
the rule does not have federalism implications because the rule does 
not have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government.'' Moreover, the amendments made in this document will not 
affect the cost of the dummy.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) 
requires Federal agencies to prepare a written assessment of the costs, 
benefits and other effects of proposed or final rules that include a 
Federal mandate likely to result in the expenditure by State, local or 
tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of more 
than $100 million in any one year (adjusted for inflation with base 
year of 1995). Before promulgating an NHTSA rule for which a written 
statement is needed, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires us to 
identify and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternatives 
and adopt the least costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome 
alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule. The provisions of 
section 205 do not apply when they are inconsistent with applicable 
law. Moreover, section 205 allows us to adopt an alternative other than 
the least costly, most cost-effective or least burdensome alternative 
if we publish with the final rule an explanation why that alternative 
was not adopted.
    This rule does not impose any unfunded mandates under the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act of 1995. This rule does not meet the definition of 
a Federal mandate because it does not impose requirements on anyone. 
Further, it will not result in costs of $100 million or more to either 
State, local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, or to the 
private sector. The amendments made in this document will not affect 
the cost of the dummy. Thus, this rule is not subject to the 
requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.

Civil Justice Reform

    Pursuant to Executive Order 12778, ``Civil Justice Reform,'' we 
have considered whether this rule will have any retroactive effect. 
This rule does not have any retroactive effect. A petition for 
reconsideration or other administrative proceeding will not be a 
prerequisite to an action seeking judicial review of this rule. This 
rule does not preempt the States from adopting laws or regulations on 
the same subject, except that it does preempt a State regulation that 
is in actual conflict with the Federal regulation or makes compliance 
with the Federal regulation impossible or interferes with the 
implementation of the Federal statute.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a person is not required 
to respond to a collection of information by a Federal agency unless 
the collection displays a valid control number from the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB). This final rule does not have any 
requirements that are considered to be information collection 
requirements as defined by the OMB in 5 CFR Part 1320.

National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act

    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement 
Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272) 
directs NHTSA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory 
activities unless doing so would be inconsistent with applicable law or

[[Page 33920]]

otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical 
standards (e.g., materials specifications, test methods, sampling 
procedures, and business practices) that are developed or adopted by 
voluntary consensus standards bodies, such as the Society of Automotive 
Engineers (SAE). The NTTAA directs us to provide Congress, through OMB, 
explanations when we decide not to use available and applicable 
voluntary consensus standards.
    The following voluntary consensus standards have been used in 
developing the ES-2re dummy:
     SAE Recommended Practice J211, Rev. Mar95 
``Instrumentation for Impact Tests''; and
     SAE J1733 of 1994-12, ``Sign Convention for Vehicle Crash 
Testing.''

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), 
Public Law 104-4, requires Federal agencies to prepare a written 
assessment of the costs, benefits, and other effects of proposed or 
final rules that include a Federal mandate likely to result in the 
expenditure by State, local, or tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector, of more than $100 million annually (adjusted 
for inflation with base year of 1995). Before promulgating an NHTSA 
rule for which a written statement is needed, section 205 of the UMRA 
generally requires the agency to identify and consider a reasonable 
number of regulatory alternatives and adopt the least costly, most 
cost-effective, or least burdensome alternative that achieves the 
objectives of the rule.
    This final rule will not impose any unfunded mandates under the 
UMRA. This rule does not meet the definition of a Federal mandate 
because it does not impose requirements on anyone. This rule affects 
only those businesses that choose to manufacture or test with the 
dummy, and even in that regard, the amendments made in this document 
will not affect the cost of the dummy. This rule does not result in 
costs of $100 million or more to either State, local, or tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or to the private sector.

Plain Language

    Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write all rules in 
plain language. Application of the principles of plain language 
includes consideration of the following questions:

--Has the agency organized the material to suit the public's needs?
--Are the requirements in the rule clearly stated?
--Does the rule contain technical language or jargon that is not clear?
--Would a different format (grouping and order of sections, use of 
headings, paragraphing) make the rule easier to understand?
--Would more (but shorter) sections be better?
--Could the agency improve clarity by adding tables, lists, or 
diagrams?
--What else could the agency do to make this rule easier to understand?

    If you have any responses to these questions, please write to us 
about them.

Regulation Identifier Number

    The Department of Transportation assigns a regulation identifier 
number (RIN) to each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of 
Federal Regulations. The Regulatory Information Service Center 
publishes the Unified Agenda in April and October of each year. You may 
use the RIN contained in the heading at the beginning of this document 
to find this action in the Unified Agenda.

Appendix A to Preamble--The Test Procedures and Performance 
Specifications of the December 14, 2006 Final Rule for Qualification of 
the ES-2re

     Head Assembly: The head is tested by a similar 
procedure as the Hybrid III 50th percentile male frontal crash test 
dummy. It involves dropping the head from a specified height and 
angular orientation, and measuring the acceleration that results 
from the impact. However, while the head of the Hybrid III 50th 
percentile male receives impact to the forehead, the ES-2re head is 
dropped so that the lateral surface of the head is impacted.
     Neck Assembly: See discussion in preamble.
     Lumbar Spine: See discussion in preamble.
     Shoulder Assembly: The dummy is seated on a flat, 
horizontal, rigid surface in a position as specified in the 
regulatory text. An impactor is then used to contact the shoulder at 
a velocity of 4.3 m/s. Qualification of the dummy is based on the 
peak acceleration of the impactor during this contact.
     Thorax (upper torso) Assembly: See discussion in 
preamble.
     Abdomen Assembly: The ES-2re is seated in a specified 
manner and impacted on its side at the center point of the middle 
load-measuring sensor at a velocity of 4.0 m/s. The maximum impactor 
force and the sum of the forces measured by three abdominal load 
sensors, in time, are used to assess the dummy's quality for 
compliance testing.
     Pelvis: The ES-2re pelvis response is tested with a 
whole, seated dummy. An impactor contacts a specified location of 
the pelvis at a velocity of 4.3 m/s. The force of the impactor and 
the load measured in the pubic symphysis in time are evaluated to 
assure that dummy performance is within specifications.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 572

    Incorporation by reference, Motor vehicle safety.

0
In consideration of the foregoing, NHTSA amends 49 CFR part 572 as 
follows:

PART 572--ANTHROPOMORPHIC TEST DEVICES

0
1. The authority citation for part 572 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117 and 30166; 
delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50.

Subpart U--ES-2re Side Impact Crash Test Dummy, 50th Percentile 
Adult Male

0
2. Section 572.180 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1), the 
introductory paragraph of (a)(2), paragraphs (a)(3), (b), and (c)(1), 
to read as follows:


Sec.  572.180  Incorporated materials.

    (a) * * *
    (1) A parts/drawing list entitled, ``Parts/Drawings List, Part 572 
Subpart U, Eurosid 2 with Rib Extensions (ES2re), February 2008,''
    (2) A drawings and inspection package entitled ``Parts List and 
Drawings, Part 572 Subpart U, Eurosid 2 with Rib Extensions (ES-2re, 
Alpha Version), February 2008,'' consisting of:
* * * * *
    (3) A procedures manual entitled ``Procedures for Assembly, 
Disassembly and Inspection (PADI) of the EuroSID-2re 50th Percentile 
Adult Male Side Impact Crash Test Dummy, February 2008,'' incorporated 
by reference in Sec. Sec.  572.180(a)(2), and 572.181(a);
* * * * *
    (b) The Director of the Federal Register approved the materials 
incorporated by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. Copies of the materials may be inspected at the Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, telephone (202) 366-9826, and at the 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), and in electronic 
format through Regulations.gov. For information on the availability and 
inspection of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: 
http://www.archives.gov/federal--register/code--of--federal--
regulations/

[[Page 33921]]

ibr--locations.html. For information on the availability and inspection 
of this material at Regulations.gov, call 1-877-378-5457, or go to: 
http://www.regulations.gov.
    (c) * * *
    (1) The Parts/Drawings List, Part 572 Subpart U, Eurosid 2 with Rib 
Extensions (ES2re), February 2008, referred to in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this section, the Parts List and Drawings, Part 572 Subpart U, Eurosid 
2 with Rib Extensions (ES-2re, Alpha Version), February 2008, referred 
to in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, and the PADI document referred 
to in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, are available in electronic 
format through Regulations.gov and in paper format from Leet-Melbrook, 
Division of New RT, 18810 Woodfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, 
telephone (301) 670-0090.
    * * *

0
3. Section 572.181 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b), and (c), 
to read as follows:


Sec.  572.181  General description.

    (a) The ES-2re Side Impact Crash Test Dummy, 50th Percentile Adult 
Male, is defined by:
    (1) The drawings and specifications contained in the ``Parts List 
and Drawings, Part 572 Subpart U, Eurosid 2 with Rib Extensions (ES-
2re, Alpha Version), February 2008,'' incorporated by reference in 
Sec.  572.180, which includes the technical drawings and specifications 
described in Drawing 175-0000, the titles of which are listed in Table 
A;

                                 Table A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Component assembly                     Drawing number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Head Assembly.............................  175-1000
Neck Assembly Test/Cert...................  175-2000
Neck Bracket Including Lifting Eyebolt....  175-2500
Shoulder Assembly.........................  175-3000
Arm Assembly-Left.........................  175-3500
Arm Assembly-Right........................  175-3800
Thorax Assembly with Rib Extensions.......  175-4000
Abdominal Assembly........................  175-5000
Lumbar Spine Assembly.....................  175-5500
Pelvis Assembly...........................  175-6000
Leg Assembly, Left........................  175-7000-1
Leg Assembly, Right.......................  175-7000-2
Neoprene Body Suit........................  175-8000
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) ``Parts/Drawings List, Part 572 Subpart U, Eurosid 2 with Rib 
Extensions (ES2re), February 2008,'' containing 8 pages, incorporated 
by reference in Sec.  572.180,
    (3) A listing of available transducers-crash test sensors for the 
ES-2re Crash Test Dummy is shown in drawing 175-0000 sheet 4 of 6, 
dated February 2008, incorporated by reference in Sec.  572.180,
    (4) Procedures for Assembly, Disassembly and Inspection (PADI) of 
the ES-2re Side Impact Crash Test Dummy, February 2008, incorporated by 
reference in Sec.  572.180,
    (5) Sign convention for signal outputs reference document SAE J1733 
Information Report, titled ``Sign Convention for Vehicle Crash 
Testing'' dated December 1994, incorporated by reference in Sec.  
572.180.
    (b) Exterior dimensions of ES-2re test dummy are shown in drawing 
175-0000 sheet 3 of 6, dated February 2008.
    (c) Weights of body segments (head, neck, upper and lower torso, 
arms and upper and lower segments) and the center of gravity location 
of the head are shown in drawing 175-0000 sheet 2 of 6, dated February 
2008.
* * * * *

0
4. Section 572.183 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(5), 
the heading of Table 1 to Paragraph (a), and paragraph (c)(1), to read 
as follows:


Sec.  572.183  Neck assembly.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Soak the neck-headform assembly in a test environment as 
specified in Sec.  572.189(n);
* * * * *
    (5) Time zero is defined in Sec.  572.189(j).

Table 1 to Paragraph (a)--ES-2re Neck Certification Pendulum Velocity 
Corridor

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) The pendulum deceleration pulse is to be characterized in terms 
of decrease in velocity as determined by integrating the filtered 
pendulum acceleration response from time-zero.
* * * * *

0
5. Section 572.185 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and 
(c)(2), to read as follows:


Sec.  572.185  Thorax (upper torso) assembly.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) Soak the rib modules (175-4002) in a test environment as 
specified in 572.189(n);
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) Performance Criteria.
    (i) The individual rib modules shall conform to the following range 
of deflections:
    (A) Upper rib not less than 34 mm and not greater than 41 mm;
    (B) Middle rib not less than 37 mm and not greater than 45 mm;
    (C) Lower rib not less than 37 mm and not greater than 44 mm.
    (ii) The impactor force shall be computed as the product of the 
impact probe acceleration and its mass. The peak impactor force at any 
time after 6 ms from time zero shall be not less than 5100 N and not 
greater than 6200 N.

0
6. Section 572.187 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(5), 
to read as follows:


Sec.  572.187  Lumbar spine.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Soak the lumbar spine-headform assembly in a test environment 
as specified in Sec.  572.189(n);
    * * *
    (5) Time zero is defined in Sec.  572.189(j).
* * * * *

0
7. Section 572.188 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(4), adding 
paragraph (b)(6), and revising paragraph (c), to read as follows:


Sec.  572.188  Pelvis.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) The impactor is guided, if needed, so that at contact with the 
pelvis its longitudinal axis is within 0.5 degrees of a 
horizontal plane and perpendicular to the midsagittal plane of the 
dummy and the centerpoint on the impactor's face is within 5 mm of the 
center of the H-point in the pelvis, as shown in Figure U6 in Appendix 
A to this subpart;
    * * *
    (6) Time zero is defined in Sec.  572.189(k).
    (c) Performance criteria.
    (1) The impactor force (probe acceleration multiplied by its mass) 
shall be not less than 4,700 N and not more than 5,400 N, occurring 
between 11.8 ms and 16.1 ms from time zero;
    (2) The pubic symphysis load, measured with load cell specified in 
Sec.  572.189(f) shall be not less than 1,230 N and not more than 1,590 
N occurring between 12.2 ms and 17.0 ms from time zero.

0
8. Figure U2-A in ``APPENDIX A TO SUBPART U OF PART 572--FIGURES'' is 
revised to read as follows:

Appendix A To Subpart U Of Part 572--Figures

    * * *

[[Page 33922]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR16JN08.006

* * * * *

    Issued: May 30, 2008.
James F. Ports, Jr.,
Deputy Administrator.
 [FR Doc. E8-13063 Filed 6-13-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P