The effect of adipose tissue material properties on the lap belt-pelvis interaction: A global sensitivity analysis

The lap belt-pelvis interaction is one of the main factors influencing the risk for abdominal and lower extremity injuries during vehicular crashes. To numerically study the lap belt-pelvis interaction, biofidelic representation of subcutaneous adipose tissue appears essential, especially for obese occupants with a thick layer of adipose tissue. Therefore, in this study, a finite element model is constructed and a newly developed material model for adipose tissue from the previous work is implemented to study the mechanism of lap belt-pelvis interaction and how subcutaneous adipose tissue affects this. Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) is used to determine which aspects of the mechanical properties of adipose tissue play a major role in the lap belt-pelvis interaction. It is found that, firstly, the incompressibility condition of adipose tissue is the most influential parameter. Secondly, the nonlinear elastic and viscoelastic properties are influential because of experiencing large deformation. The findings of this study are meaningful for vehicular injury-oriented characterization of adipose tissue as well as improving the biofidelity of finite element human body models for human safety.