A kinematic analysis of lap-belt submarining for test dummies

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Horsch, John D.¹; Hering, William E.¹

A kinematic analysis of lap-belt submarining for test dummies

Proceedings of the 33rd Stapp Car Crash Conference

Affiliations

¹Biomedical Science Dept., GM Research Labs., Warren, MI
Abstract

A kinematic view of the test dummy pelvis "unhooking" from the lap-belt was developed from a series of sled tests. The dynamics of the test resulted in reducing the vertical angle of the lap-belt and rearward rotation of the top of the pelvis. Both of these motions acted to "unhook" the belt from the pelvis. When a "critical" angle between the belt and pelvis was reached, the belt "slipped" from the pelvic spines and directly loaded the abdomen. In these tests, rearward rotation of the pelvis was a predominant mechanism.

The study also identified a threshold test severity. At test severities less than the threshold, the dummy did not submarine and at severities greater than the threshold the dummy submarined. The critical pelvis-to-belt slip angle and threshold test severity associated with the pelvis unhooking from the belt are parameters that can enhance assessment of submarining performance beyond a yes/no evaluation.
Links

DOI: 10.4271/892441

SAE: 892441

Cited By (14)

Year	Entry
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2015	Nakane K, Nojiri M, Maekawa R, Esaki M, Suzuki S, Masuda Y, Hitosugi M. Analysis of abdominal injuries caused by the submarining phenomenon in the rear seat occupants. In: Proceedings of the 24th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). June 8-11, 2015; Gothenburg, Sweden.
2019	Mizuno K, Hatano W, Yoshida R, Nakajima Y, Tanaka Y, Muroya T, Ishigaki R. The geometrical relationship between the lap belt and occupants' anterior superior iliac spine. In: Proceedings of the 26th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). June 10-13, 2019; Eindhoven, Netherlands.
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2012	Beillas P, Alonzo F, Chevalier M-C, Lesire P, Leopold F, Trosseille X, Johannsen H. Abdominal twin pressure sensors for the assessment of abdominal injuries in Q dummies: in-dummy evaluation and performance in accident reconstructions. Stapp Car Crash J. October 2012;56:387-410.
2012	Luet C, Trosseille X, Drazétic P, Potier P, Vallancien G. Kinematics and dynamics of the pelvis in the process of submarining using PMHS sled tests. Stapp Car Crash J. October 2012;56:411-442.
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