DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A HUMAN LOWER EXTREMITY MODEL

A finite element model of the human lower extremity has been developed in this study to simulate lower extremity behavior in frontal car crashes. Precise geometry of the human lower extremity and material properties of the hard and soft tissues were introduced to the model. The performance of the model was evaluated by comparing with dynamic loading test data using post mortem human subjects (PMHS). The comparison proved its ability to estimate dynamic responses of the human lower extremity. A study was conducted using the model to investigate possible factors of loading to the ankle and tibia. Force and moment was calculated with different time history profiles of footwell intrusion and pelvis motion. The results suggested that timing of maximum intrusion was important as well as its magnitude. It was also found that loading to the tibia could be affected not only by intrusion but also by pelvis motion. Although footwell deformation has been measured in car crash tests, it is suggested to use force and moment measured on the dummy leg for injury assessment.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Highway Safety Advisory Committee

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • KITAGAWA, Y
  • PAL, C
• Conference:
  • PROCEEDINGS OF 17TH INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE ON THE ENHANCED SAFETY OF VEHICLES. CD ROM
  • Location: Amsterdam , Netherlands
  • Date: 2001-6-4 to 2001-6-7
• Publication Date: 2001

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 9 p.
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: DOT HS 809220

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Anthropometry; Anthropometry; Behavior; Conferences; Dummies; Evaluation and assessment; Foot; Frontal crashes; Injuries; Leg; Vehicle compartments; Vehicle interiors
• ITRD Terms: 1618: Anthropometric dummy; 9001: Behaviour; 8525: Conference; 9020: Evaluation (assessment); 1640: Head on collision; 2055: Human body; 2163: Injury; 1377: Interior (veh); 2023: Leg (human)
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00920883
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, USDOT
• Created Date: Mar 6 2002 12:00AM