A model has been previously proposed for a protection criterion for pelvic and abdominal injury in which the magnitude of the measured pelvis resultant acceleration has an injury-equivalent value. Whether the pelvis acceleration is a measure of pelvic or abdominal injury is distinguished with the aid of the pelvis rotational angle. If the rotational angle exceeds a specific, field-accident based value, the critical pelvis rotational angle, there exists an increased probability for submarining, resulting as a rule in abdominal injuries and in some cases in injuries of the lumbar spine. When the pelvis rotational angle remains under the critical angle, in the most cases the lap belt will lie under the iliac crest and pelvis injury is likely only with excessive loading.

Although the measurement of the pelvis acceleration is standard practice in the vehicle crash tests and sled tests, the measurement of the absolute pelvis rotational angle is obtained only with difficulty. In the framework of a proposed advancement, different measurement principles are therefore presented and the resulting measurement method of choice is discussed. The methodology and the interpretation of the evaluation of the test data is explained. The presentation of test results and simulation results with and without submarining concludes this investigation. These effects are evidenced in the comparison of the occupant kinematics from film analysis and the characteristic results of the measured pelvis rotational angle.

An experimental proof for submarining is thereby shown which provides a clear and understandable result regarding the avoidance of pelvis and abdominal injuries.