This paper presents the determination of the tension state for the simple ear component of the safety belt when subjected to external traction forces transmitted by the webbing. The aims of these determinations are to determine the dangerous zones at the orifice where the webbing is applied, to correct the dimensions for the webbing and ear positioning and to determine the optimal material type. The tension state is determined by the finite element method and it is confirmed experimentally by using the photo-elasticity method. In the same time, the force necessary to break the simple ear by traction is determined and compared to the FEM simulation, this information being necessary for homologation. The dimension for the breaking force is found to be within normal requested range. The experimental and numerical data are found to correspond.
