Title: Development of an occupant model for far-side vehicle crashes

Authors: Clay Douglas, Brian Fildes, Tom Gibson

Addresses: Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), Building 70, Clayton Campus, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia. ' Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), Building 70, Clayton Campus, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia. ' Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), Building 70, Clayton Campus, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia

Abstract: The biofidelity and performance requirements for a far-side occupant model are described. Previous work is analysed that highlights the potential use of a modified version of the TNO Human Facet Model for simulating far-side impacts. The model|s biofidelity and performance are compared with PMHS results from pelvic offset sled tests, pendulum tests and a full-scale far-side crash test. Results indicate that the model exhibits good biofidelity compared with PMHS results, specifically its ability to simulate: belt interaction with the shoulder; loading to the pelvis, thorax and abdomen and whole body kinematics in a full-vehicle far-side crash. The model|s main limitations are that its thorax is less capable of matching the magnitude of deflection observed in the PMHS pendulum tests.

Keywords: MADYMO; far-side vehicle crashes; occupant modelling; side impact; biofidelity; vehicle safety; simulation; whole body kinematics; seat belts; belt interaction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVS.2009.029156

International Journal of Vehicle Safety, 2009 Vol.4 No.3, pp.173 - 184

Published online: 07 Nov 2009 *

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