HEAD INJURY POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT IN FRONTAL IMPACTS BY MATHEMATICAL MODELING

The potential of head injury in frontal barrier impact tests was investigated by a mathematical model. This model consisted of: a finite element human head model, a four segments rigid dynamic neck model, a rigid body occupant model, and a lumped-mass vehicle structure model. The finite element human head model represents anatomically an average adult head. The rigid body occupant model simulates an average adult male. The structure model simulates the interior space and the dynamic characteristics of a vehicle. The neck model integrates the finite element human head to the occupant body to give a more realistic kinematic head motion in a barrier crash test. Model responses were compared with experimental cadaveric data and vehicle crash data for the purpose of model validation to ensure model accuracy. Model results show a good agreement with those of the tests. The model was used to assess head injury severity, when the occupant was restrained by an airbag only (31 mph barrier test) and by an airbag and a 3-point belt (35 mph barrier test). Head acceleration, stress and strain in the brain were investigated as injury parameter indicators. The model advances the study of brain motions and accompanying stresses during large linear and angular displacements encountered in vehicle frontal collisions. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 879189.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/1560915439
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • RUAN, J S
  • Prasad, P
• Conference:
  • SAE PUBLICATION P-279. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 38TH STAPP CAR CRASH CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 31-NOVEMBER 4, 1994, FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, USA (SAE TECHNICAL PAPER 942212)
• Publication Date: 1994-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 111-21

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acceleration (Mechanics); Air bags; Anthropometry; Biophysics; Brain; Conferences; Dummies; Finite element method; Frontal crashes; Head; Injuries; Manual safety belts; Mathematical models; Simulation
• ITRD Terms: 5405: Acceleration; 1465: Air bag (restraint system); 1618: Anthropometric dummy; 2060: Biomechanics; 2030: Brain; 8525: Conference; 6490: Finite element method; 1640: Head on collision; 2163: Injury; 6473: Mathematical model; 1476: Safety belt; 9103: Simulation
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00724066
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Institute for Road Safety Research, SWOV
• ISBN: 1-56091-543-9
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Aug 19 1996 12:00AM