Scientific methodology and engineering techniques were applied to the initial 4 of a series of 12 automobile rear-end collision experiments to provide data relating to seat and head support design. Two speeds of impact, three seatback heights, and two seatback strength values were studied. This is a study to evaluate the relative protective merits and the practicality of various seat designs with respect to the many

variables common to rear-end collisions. This basic research data will provide a standard reference system for determining collision performance of seat and head support designs with respect to occupant size, posture, and proximity to injury-producing structures.