Updates of the lower extremity of THOR-NT 50th finite element dummy to mod-kit specification

Yue, Neng; Shin, Jaeho; Panzer, Matthew B.; Crandall, Jeff; Parent, Dan

Affiliations

¹Center for Applied Biomechanics, University of Virginia, 4040 Lewis and Clark Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22911

²National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, US DOT, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590

Abstract

This manuscript describes updates made to the lower extremity (knee-thigh (KT) and leg) of the THOR-NT 50th percentile finite element (FE) dummy, based on the geometry and mechanical characteristics of the THOR Mod Kit (MK) revision.

The geometry and mass of the FE KT region were updated to the same specifications as the THOR-MK design. The FE model knee-thigh compression and knee stretch responses were within the experimental test corridors and met the certification and biofidelity requirements of the THORMK. The model response from the knee pendulum impact test matched the dummy certification test data and was within the two first priority corridors of the knee slider certification requirements. An FE model of the molded shoe was developed using a three-dimensional scanning tool. The shoe model was validated using heel and ball-of-foot impact tests, and the simulated responses matched the experimental data. Three load cell modeling approaches were investigated and the locking joint method was the best approach considered for modeling load cells as rigid bodies.

Model updates to the THOR lower extremity and associated instrumentation were integrated into the THOR-NT FE dummy. The updated THOR-NT FE dummy model with the Mod Kit specifications in the lower extremity has the potential of providing improved responses in the frontal sled simulation and other applications.

Links

URL: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv23/23ESV-000328.pdf

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Cited By (2)

Year	Entry
2022	Mukherjee S, Zeng W, Roberts CW, Caudillo AF, Forman JL, Panzer MB. Validation of small female foot and ankle finite element model under shod automotive loading environment. In: Proceedings of the 2022 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Injury. September 14-16, 2022; Porto, Portugal.197-214.
2019	Yue N. A Numerical Investigation of Biomechanical Response and Injury of Occupant Lower Extremities in Automotive Frontal Impact Scenario [Master's thesis]. Charlottesville, VA: University of Virginia; December 2019.