DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF THE SPINE DURING +GX ACCELERATION

A review of the existing mathematical models of a car occupant in a rear-end crash reveals that existing models inadequately describe the kinematics of the occupant and cannot demonstrate the injury mechanisms involved. Most models concentrate on head and neck motion and have neglected to study the interaction of the occupant with the seat back, seat cushion, and restraint systems. Major deficiencies are the inability to simulate the torso sliding up the seat back and the absence of the thoracic and lumbar spine as deformable, load transmitting members. The paper shows the results of a 78 degree-of-freedom model of the spine, head, and pelvis which has already been validated in +Gz and -Gx acceleration directions. It considers automotive-type restraint systems, seat back, and seat cushions, and the torso is free to slide up the seat back. Results of simulation runs show a good correlation with the existing data and experimental cadaveric runs made with a high seat back (or head restraint) and low seat back. The effect of seat-back stiffness and the restraint system on the response of the head and spine is studied.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored by the Office of Naval Resarch, and the National Institute of General Medical Services.
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • Prasad, P
  • Mital, N
  • King, A I
  • PATRICK, L M
• Conference:
  • Stapp Car Crash Conference Proceedings
• Publication Date: 1975

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 29 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cadavers; Crash injury research; Headrests; Rear end crashes; Restraint systems; Seats; Spinal column; Vehicle occupants; Whiplash
• Old TRIS Terms: Passenger restraints
• Subject Areas: Highways; Passenger Transportation; Research; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00131972
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Highway Safety Research Institute
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE #751172
• Contract Numbers: N00014-75-C-1015, 5-K04-GM-21145-04
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 5 1976 12:00AM