This paper presents results from a project studying the side impact response of anthropomorphic test devices and human cadavers.
Using a baseline test configuration of a flat rigid wall for initial tests and a contoured, padded surface to simulate a vehicle side interior configuration for subsequent tests, a series of experiments was performed with:
- Unembalmed human cadavers with head, thorax, and pelvis accelerometer instrumentation
- Part 572 test device with head, thorax, and pelvis triaxial accelerometer instrumentation
- Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL) side impact test device with head, thorax, and pelvis triaxial accelerometers as well as shoulder, rib, and pelvis load cells
Comparisons of both the kinematic responses and the accelerometer data of the three types of test subjects are made. In addition, a discussion of the injuries produced in the cadaver tests with respect to test device interpretation is included with emphasis on the development of improved test response specifications.