METHODOLOGY FOR THE CALIBRATION OF AND DATA ACQUISITION WITH A SIX-DEGREE-OF-FREEDOM ACCELERATION MEASUREMENT DEVICE. FINAL REPORT

This report describes a methodology for calibrating and gathering data with a six-degree-of-freedom acceleration measurement device that is intended to measure head acceleration of anthropomorphic dummies and human volunteers in automotive crash testing and head impact trauma studies. Error models (system equations) were developed for systems using six accelerometers in a coplanar (3-2-1) configuration, nine accelerometers in a coplanar (3-3-3) configuration and nine accelerometers in a non-coplanar (3-2-2-2) configuration and the accuracy and stability of these systems were compared. In particular, an array of linear accelerometers in the non-coplanar (3-2-2-2) configuration was found to be most stable (computationally) and is treated in great detail. A methodology for determining the system coefficients in the laboratory is described. A correction algorithm is also described that is used to correct data taken in the field using the coefficients obtained in the laboratory. The model was verified under various input and computational conditions. Results of parametric sensitivity analyses which included parameters such as system geometry, coordinate system location, data sample rate and accelerometer cross axis sensitivities are presented. Recommendations to optimize data collection and reduction are given. Complete source listings of all of the software developed are presented. Portions of this report have appeared previously as internal documentation at the Transportation Systems Center.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Systems Center

  55 Broadway, Kendall Square
  Cambridge, MA  United States  02142

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • PLANK, G
  • Weinstock, H
  • Coltman, M
  • Lee, H
• Publication Date: 1989-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 302 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); Accuracy; Algorithms; Biophysics; Calibration; Crash injury research; Data collection; Dummies; Head; Human beings; Injuries; Mathematical models; Measuring instruments; Methodology; Optimization; Sensitivity analysis; Software
• Uncontrolled Terms: Head injuries
• Subject Areas: Highways; Research; Safety and Human Factors; I84: Personal Injuries;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00485693
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-807 370, HS876/S8008
• Files: HSL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 31 1996 12:00AM