IMPROVEMENT OF A MATHEMATICAL MODEL TO STUDY PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

The introduction of ONSER 50 dummy characteristics into the MVMA III D (Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association 3-D) impact simulation model is described. Measurements were made according to the model's Sierra 292/050 dummy (car occupant) structural shape (15 segments, 14 joints). The ONSER dummy segments were defined by weight, center of gravity, joint location, and moment of inertia. Dummy joints were defined by center of rotation, mean location, extreme points, and flexural and torsional spring and viscous characteristics. For frontal and lateral pedestrian impacts at 20 and 25 kph, calculated results using the modified MVMA IIID program are compared with results from vehicle-to-ONSER dummy tests. The model showed an earlier head impact against the vehicle, an impact point nearer the vehicle front, and a slightly lower impact speed. Calculated dummy kinematics agree quite well with test results for the frontal impact. In side impacts, the dummy movement depends essentially on the initial position of the legs, and the head impact is strongly influenced by the arm movement and support on the hood. Further studies will be made at higher impact speeds, and model refinements made where possible to enhance car-to-pedestrian impact simulation.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Published in HS-030 722, "International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impacts (5th) Proceedings," Amsterdam, 1980, pp 117-27. Conference held in Birmingham, England, 9-11 September 1980.
• Corporate Authors:

  National Council for Road Safety

  Laboratoire des Chocs et de Biomecanique
  69500 Bron,   France 

  Automobiles Citroen

  Centre Technique
  78140 Velizy,   France 
• Authors:
  • Cotte, J P
  • Laurent, M
  • Berthommier, M
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 11 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Biophysics; Crash injury research; Frontal crashes; Kinematics; Mathematical models; Pedestrian safety; Pedestrian vehicle crashes; Side crashes; Simulation
• Subject Areas: Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00372668
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-030 732
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: May 31 1983 12:00AM