Oblique Loading in Post Mortem Human Surrogates from Vehicle Lateral Impact Tests using Chestbands.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Injury Biomechanics
• Automotive Safety

Background:

• Limited data exists on Post Mortem Human Surrogate (PMHS) responses in full-scale vehicle side impact tests.
• Previous research primarily utilized sled tests, not modern vehicle environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and nature of oblique loading during moving deformable barrier and pole tests.
• To analyze the biomechanical responses of PMHS in different seating positions during side impacts.

Main Methods:

• Tested three-point belt restrained PMHS in left front and rear seats during consumer testing protocols.
• Utilized accelerometers on the skull, spine, and sternum, and chestbands to measure thoracic responses.
• Recorded vehicle accelerations, door velocities, and seat belt loads.

Main Results:

• Left rear seated PMHS experienced anterior oblique loading.
• Left front seated PMHS sustained primarily lateral loading to the torso.
• Data on peak deflections, angulations, and signal timing were collected.

Conclusions:

• Oblique loading occurs in full-scale vehicle side impact tests, particularly in rear seating positions.
• These findings can validate human body computational models.
• Further research into oblique loading's role in thoracic and lower extremity injuries is recommended due to lower injury thresholds.