63rd AAAM Annual Scientific Conference - AAAM 2019, Madrid (Spain). 15-18 October 2019
Summary:
Objective:
The goal of the study was to assess the feasibility of a safe crash environment for volunteer tests in reclined seating positions. An iterative multimodal approach was chosen, consisting of full-body human body model (HBM) simulations, anthropomorphic test device (ATD) physical testing, and volunteer testing.Methods:
To estimate a noninjurious deceleration pulse, the iterative inclination of the seat was supported through HBM simulations and physical ATD testing. One male volunteer was exposed to 5 low-speed frontal sled impacts with stepwise reclined seat angles. The volunteer was restrained with a non-pretensioned 3-point seat belt. All procedures were approved by the relevant ethics boards.Results:
Volunteer sled tests in 3 different seat configurations were performed with one volunteer at noninjurious deceleration levels. Inclination of the seat and the absence of a footrest resulted in elevated axial seat reaction forces and almost pure translational motion of the human body.Conclusions:
A maximum speed of 7.1?km/h and peak deceleration of 3.0?g was found to be a safe pulse for volunteer testing in frontal impacts with a rigid reclined seat. Larger soft tissue deformations were observed when reclined, possibly associated with higher shear loads within the soft tissue. Preliminary results highlight trade-offs between the degree of seat angulation, friction force, and restraint capability of a 3-point seat belt, thus causing forward translation and/or axial spinal compression of the occupant that may need to be addressed in the future.Keywords: Human volunteer testing, noninjurious sled pulse, frontal impact, reclined seating posture, kinematics, restraint system
DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.1080/15389588.2019.1659592
Published in Traffic Injury Prevention, pp: 1-4, ISSN: 1538-9588
Publication date: 2019-10-15.
Citation:
J. Muehlbauer, D. Draper, F.J. López-Valdés, I. Symeonidis, S. Peldschus, Feasibility study of a safe sled environment for reclined frontal deceleration tests with human volunteers, 63rd AAAM Annual Scientific Conference - AAAM 2019, Madrid (Spain). 15-18 October 2019. In: Traffic Injury Prevention, ISSN: 1538-9588
