Deformation patterns in WorldSID 50th percentile dummy instrumented with IR-TRACC and RibEye™ in different loading...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Automotive Safety
• Crash Test Dummies

Background:

• Accurate measurement of chest compression and rib deflection is crucial for evaluating occupant protection systems.
• The WorldSID 50th percentile male dummy is a standard tool for assessing side-impact protection.
• Existing measurement systems like IR-TRACC and RibEye™ have different sensing technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the performance of the IR-TRACC and RibEye™ systems under various loading conditions.
• To compare the measured rib deflection and shoulder forces between the two systems.
• To evaluate the suitability of length change as a metric for rib deformation.

Main Methods:

• WorldSID dummy instrumented with either IR-TRACC or RibEye™.
• Two loading severities (low and high) using side and front airbags.
• Frontal, rearward off-center, and center rib locations assessed; optical sensors used for RibEye™.

Main Results:

• Peak deflections ranged from 15-20 mm (low severity) to 30-40 mm (high severity) for both systems.
• Comparable mid-length changes between RibEye™ and 1D IR-TRACC under purely lateral loading.
• Significant differences observed between systems in oblique loading, particularly in shoulder forces.

Conclusions:

• IR-TRACC and RibEye™ systems yield varying results for length changes and shoulder forces.
• Measurement system performance is dependent on loading severity and direction.
• Length change may not be a reliable parameter for quantifying rib deformation in frontal oblique impacts.