Relationship between mechanical input and injury severity in side impact test

Richter, Bernd; Kallieries, Dimitrios

Affiliations

¹FAT Working Group Biomechanics

²University of Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany

Abstract

Results from 58 side impact tests with Postmortem Human Subjects (PMHS) and 15 side impact tests with dummies are reported. Based on this test series the relationships between mechanical inputs and injury severity as well as mechanical inputs and dummy loadings are analyzed.

The test configuration was identical for all side impacts: 90° impact angle, Opel Kadett body in white, CCMC deformable element in front of the impacting barrier. The PMHS were subjected to test runs at impact speeds of 40 km/h, 45 km/h, 50 km/h and 60 km/h. The dummy tests (5 HSRI-SID, 5 Hybrid II, 5 APROD) were performed at 50 km/h.

Under these test configurations head injuries were observed in 8 cases at impact speeds of at least 45 km/h.

Rib fractures were the most frequent injuries. The number of rib fractures was primarily influenced by the age of the subject.

Due to the asymmetry of the abdomen the severity of abdominal injuries is strongly influenced by the impacted body side. In right-side impacts liver ruptures were observed in almost 50% of the 4 km/h collisions and in nearly all the 50 km/h impacts. During left-side impacts, liver ruptures occurred in several of the 50 km/h tests and in almost half of the 60 km/h collisions. Spleen ruptures were observed in 4 cases. Spinal injuries were observed in 43 tests. Severity was rated AIS 1 or 2 except in 3 cases.

Pelvic fractures occurring at test speeds of 45 km/h or higher were found in 4 tests.

For statistical analysis, logistic regression was used. The purpose of this evaluation was to find the relationship between mechanical and anthropometrical parameters on the one hand and injury severity on the other.

The prediction of thorax AIS probability was primarily influenced by age. The rib accelerations on the impacted as well as on the opposite side were found to be important.

As far as the prediction of abdomen AIS probability is concerned, age is of no importance. The body mass and the accelerations at the sternum and the 12th thoracic vertebra produced good prediction results.

Regarding the biofidelity of the dummies, some results of the thorax agreed well with the PMHS response.

Cited Works (4)

Year	Entry
1983	Klaus G, Kallieris D. Side impact: a comparison between HSRI, APROD and HYBRID II dummies and cadavers. In: Proceedings of the 27th Stapp Car Crash Conference. October 17-19, 1983; San Diego, CA. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:365-381. SAE 831630.
1982	Klaus G, Kallieris D. Side impact: a comparison between HSRI-, APROD- and HYBRID II dummies and cadavers. In: Proceedings of the 9th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). November 1-4, 1982; Kyoto, Japan.307-314.
1984	Klaus G, Sinnhuber R, Hoffman G, Kallieris D, Mattern R. Side impact: a comparison between dummies and cadavers, correlations between cadaver loads and injury severity. In: Proceedings of the 28th Stapp Car Crash Conference. November 6-7, 1984; Chicago, IL. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:237-259. SAE 841655.
1984	Eppinger RH, Marcus JH, Morgan RM. Development of dummy and injury index for NHTSA’s thoracic side impact protection research program. In: Proceedings of the SAE Government/industry Meeting & Exposition. May 21-24, 1984; Washington, DC. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers. SAE 840885.