Motion patterns of pedestrian surrogates in simulated vehicle-pedestrian collisions

In about 80-85% of all vehicle-pedestrian collisions, a pedestrian is hit by the frontal area of a vehicle. Thereby, an enormous variety of spatial motion patterns of the impacted pedestrian is observed. The analysis of injury mechanisms and injury prevention measures depends largely on a sufficient knowledge of the relevant impact-induced motions. Accordingly, the investigation and classification of these motions is an important task in accident biomechanics. To this end, about 150 collision experiments with the aid of a catapult and several types of pedestrian surrogates were performed. Also, extensive use of a mathematical gross motion analysis model was made. The experimental impacts were analysed with the aid of automated high-speed cinephotogrammetry and acceleration measurements while the mathematical model was validated and calibrated for a number of impact configurations chosen strategically. Results of the experimental and theoretical impact simulations are presented which are related to the observed motion characteristics. In particular, a method is discussed which allows the assessment of the sensitivity of a given motion with respect to the impact parameters. An attempt is made to classify these parameters according to the significance of their influence, whereby pedestrian-related and vehicle-related parameters are discerned. It was found, that such a classification is necessary and possible and results are shown.