EFFECTS OF HOOD AND FENDER DESIGN ON PEDESTRIAN HEAD PROTECTION
This report presents the results of an experimental study to establish baseline data on pedestrian head impacts onto the hoods and fenders of current production vehicles. Eight different current production vehicles from subcompact to full size were struck at numerous points on the surface using a headform impactor. Pedestrian accident investigation files from the Pedestrian Injury Causation Study were used to identify principal head impact areas on the hood, and the relation between vehicle velocity and head injury. It was found that there is a band across the hood about 1 foot wide where an adult head impact is very likely to occur. The results of the experiments indicate that the impact dynamics for the full range of vehicles were quite similar. Small effects were noted due to hood character lines, underhood framing, or hood design. The hood itself is a good energy absorbing structure if sufficient clearance exists between the hood and the stiff engine and body components. The results show that bottoming frequently occurs on engine and body components with subsequent high impact levels. It is believed that significant benefits could be realized in reducing adult pedestrian head injuries by increasing the clearance between the hood and engine to 2-3 inches in the principal impact band.
-
Corporate Authors:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Vehicle Research and Test Center, P.O. Box 37
East Liberty, OH United States 43319 -
Authors:
- Pritz, H B
- Publication Date: 1984-1
Media Info
- Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 155 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Crash injury research; Crash tests; Fenders; Head; Hoods; Injuries; Motor vehicles; Pedestrian vehicle crashes; Speed; Traffic speed; Vehicle design
- Uncontrolled Terms: Head injuries
- Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00390948
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Report/Paper Numbers: SRL-10 Final Rpt., HS-806 537
- Files: HSL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
- Created Date: Nov 30 1984 12:00AM