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Oblique pole-side crash assessment using the six-year-old HBM PIPER
Jose L Torres-Ariza1,2, Luis Martínez Sáez2, Christopher R Torres-San Miguel1
1Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación Unidad Profesional "Adolfo López Mateos", Zacatenco Edificio 5, 2° Piso Col. Lindavista, C.P., 07738, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
This study simulated oblique pole-side impacts on a child dummy without a restraint system. The nearside impact configuration resulted in higher injury measurements for the child occupant, highlighting risks in side crashes.
Area of Science:
- * Biomechanics and Accident Reconstruction
- * Child Occupant Safety
- * Finite Element Analysis in Automotive Safety
Background:
- * Side impact crashes pose significant risks to child occupants, with severe injuries often affecting the head and thorax.
- * Existing research highlights the vulnerability of children in these scenarios, necessitating further investigation into specific impact types like oblique pole-side tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To numerically evaluate the oblique pole-side impact test according to FMVSS 214-P standards.
- * To estimate potential Head, Neck, and Thorax injuries for a six-year-old child in the rear seat without a Child Restraint System (CRS).
- * To compare nearside and far-side positioning configurations for oblique pole-side impacts.
Main Methods:
- * Utilized a six-year-old Human Body Model (HBM), the Scalable PIPER Child Model, and a Ford Explorer 2003 model.
- * Performed simulations using LS-DYNA® software to analyze biomechanics in crash scenarios.
- * Conducted comparative case studies, validating mesh quality and interior component integrity after positioning adjustments.
Main Results:
- * Case 1 (far-side) showed minor outcomes in the shoulder and pelvis due to body positioning, not mesh or component interaction.
- * Case 2 (nearside) yielded higher injury measurements for the child occupant.
- * The nearside test Head injury values exceeded Euro NCAP's Child Occupant Protection criteria.
Conclusions:
- * The nearside oblique pole-side impact configuration presents a higher risk to child occupants.
- * Kinematic behavior underscores the critical need for research into child safety during side crashes.
- * Findings emphasize the importance of enhancing child security measures, particularly in oblique pole-side impact scenarios.
