The objective of the EC funded HUMOS2 project is to develop Finite Element (FE) human models representing a large range of the European population and allowing an accurate injury risk prediction for victims involved in road accidents. A human model of a male in a driving position close to the 50th percentile – HUMOS model – resulting of the previous HUMOS project was presented (Robin [1]) at the ESV conference in 2001. The present paper focuses on the new developments that have been made in the still running HUMOS2 project.

Firstly, methods allowing the personalization (anthropometry, geometry and position) of human numerical models have been developed. They include a scaling tool enabling to derive any individual model from the original one through mesh control points and statistical relationships between external and internal dimensions. These were established from geometric data collected on standing and sitting human volunteers with a low dose bi-plane X ray system but also directly measured on isolated bone parts. A positioning tool has also been developed, based on a set of reference postures including seated car occupant, out of positions (OOPs) and pedestrian postures, in order to adjust and test the models for different sitting and standing postures.

Secondly, experimental work has been conducted on human volunteers in order to identify the influence of muscular tensing on body response to moderate impacts. A data base of biomechanical test results, appropriate for model validation, has been set up. It includes new biomaterial laws for ligament and skeletal muscles, as well as existing cadaver tests results coming from former EC projects and Heidelberg University. It and will be further completed by specific tests performed by consortium members. On-going work includes injury prediction rules introduction in the models then, extensive testing of the model in various conditions defined for validation.