MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR INVESTIGATING COMBINED SEATBACK-HEAD RESTRAINT PERFORMANCE DURING REAR-END IMPACT

A mathematical model of the seated driver subjected to A rear-end impact is developed using a lumped parameter model which, inter alia, allows for the investigation of the effect of an elastic-perfectly plastic head restraint device on the overall motion of the head and torso. The most satisfactory seatback-head restraint combination is found to be a seatback having a high rotational stiffness with A viscous damping coefficient of near 'critical' value combined with an energy absorbing head restraint having A plastic collapse load of approximately 890 n. The model confirms recent results which indicate that tensing of neck musculature prior to impact reduces injury potential.(a) /TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  Taylor & Francis

  4 Park Square, Milton Park
  Abingdon,   United Kingdom  OX14 4RN
• Authors:
  • Fox, J C
  • Williams, J F
• Publication Date: 1976-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 264 p.
• Serial:
  • Ergonomics Abstracts
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Deployable head restraints; Head; Headrests; Injuries; Mathematical models; Muscles; Neck; Rear end crashes; Restraint systems
• ITRD Terms: 2040: Cervical vertebrae; 1399: Head restraint; 2163: Injury; 6473: Mathematical model; 2032: Muscle; 1466: Passive safety system; 1620: Rear end collision
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00156475
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Report/Paper Numbers: Analytic
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 13 1977 12:00AM