Investigation into the noise associated with airbag deployment, III:​ sound pressure level and auditory risk as a function of inflatable device

Banglmaier, R. F.; Rouhana, S. W.

Affiliations

Abstract

Several criteria for assessing noise-induced hearing loss from automotive inflatable devices, such as airbags, were proposed in the past. However, their development was based on epidemiological studies of steady state noise and not impulsive noise. More recently, the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL) developed and validated a mathematical model of the ear, which may be used to assess noise induced hearing loss from impulsive noise sources. Previous studies have contributed to understanding the effects of impulse noise on occupants, but were performed on first generation frontal airbags and did not provide information on airbag and occupant safety systems in today's fleet of vehicles. This study presents the results of a parametric investigation of current inflatable devices across a variety of vehicles and considers the size and seating location of the occupant in vehicles of varying volume. In addition, the study considers advanced airbag technologies such as dual stage frontal airbags, side airbags, inflatable curtains, and seat belt pretensioners.

Cited Works (1)

Year	Entry
1994	Rouhana SW, Webb SR, Wooley RG, McCleary JD, Wood FD, Salva DB. Investigation into the noise associated with air bag deployment, I: measurement technique and parameter study. In: Proceedings of the 38th Stapp Car Crash Conference. October 31–November 2, 1994; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:191-212. SAE 942218.

Cited By (1)

Year	Entry
2019	Holtz J, Müller G, Johannsen H, Büchner A, Wisch M, Huster D. Hearing loss analysis in full scale accident reconstruction. In: Proceedings of the 26th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). June 10-13, 2019; Eindhoven, Netherlands.