Effect of various pre-crash braking strategies on simulated human kinematic response with varying levels of driver attention

van Rooij, Lex

In this study, human kinematic response resulting from various pre-crash braking scenarios is quantified. The underlying question is what effect pre-crash braking systems have on the driver or the front seat passenger.

The vehicle deceleration pulses resulting from various pre-crash braking strategies are implemented on a vehicle interior model in a multibody software code. The two most important strategies are based on 1) a brake assist system with modulated braking (BAS+) and 2) an autonomous braking system (AUT). In addition, simplified braking scenarios at various deceleration levels (3, 6 and 9.5 m/s2) are simulated. The driver is represented by a numerical human model incorporating, besides all passive stiffness and damping properties, algorithms that simulate active stabilising behaviour in case of an induced acceleration on the body. The lumbar and thoracic spine are stabilised by torque actuators, while the cervical spine is stabilised by Hill-type muscle segments. The level of control, bracing and reaction time delays can be varied. This allows for the simulation of various attention schemes. A parameter study is performed, in which sensitivity of the kinematic response to vehicle braking strategies and to various human reaction types are discussed and compared to findings in literature.

This study provides insight in human kinematic motion in the vehicle under various braking scenarios and human attention levels. The methods currently lack specific validation for frontal precrash braking, due to the lack of available volunteer testing data. Also, due to the complexity of human behaviour and the current state-of-the-art regarding its characterisation or modelling, the models are empirical of nature, however provide practical guidance to the range of possible pre-crash kinematics as a result of varying human behavioural strategies. Conclusions from this research are that driver attention plays an important role in determining the effectiveness of pre-crash braking systems in preventing severe occupant motions and in positioning the occupant in an optimum position at time of impact.

Year

Entry

1980

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2009

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1999

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1984

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2009

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