Abstract: A method is provided for operating a crash simulation device for motor vehicles. Providing an accelerable slide, fastening a first additional mass to the slide, performing a preliminary test subject to capturing of the acceleration curve, comparing the captured acceleration curve with a desired acceleration curve, performing a further preliminary test with changed setting of the components that are decisive for the acceleration curve of the slide. If the sensed acceleration curve deviates from the desired acceleration curve, removing the first additional mass from the slide when the captured acceleration curve corresponds to the set acceleration curve, fastening to the slide, arranging a moveable dummy and carrying out a real test with the settings of the components decisive for the acceleration curve made in the preliminary test or the preliminary tests. Arranging a moveable second additional mass on the slide before carrying out the at least one of the test.

Abstract: A vehicle door is designed to collapse in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in such a way that in the case of a maximum longitudinal force slightly below that of the most serious accident, longitudinal deformation occurs and the axial supporting force of the vehicle door simultaneously remains as high as possible. To produce this longitudinal deformability, crimps running parallel in the vertical direction are provided in the structural members of the door and in a door well reinforcement.