The safety of aerospace transport for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft is evaluated primarily through testing of anthropometric test devices (ATDs), commonly known as crash test dummies. While the majority of the ATDs were certified under automotive horizontal impact conditions, their biofidelity under vertical loading is less known. The first objective of this study was to validate a finite element (FE) model of the THOR crash dummy in a vertical impact scenario. The second objective was to compare the dummy model response to the corresponding response of the THUMS human FE model in the same impact conditions.

A series of vertical drop tests were performed on a THOR-NT crash dummy. Impact conditions were replicated in FE simulation based on pre-impact velocities and crash pulse decelerations measured during testing. FE simulations were run with both dummy and human FE models using LS-Dyna software. The dummy model was evaluated relative to the test data in terms of kinematics (e.g. landmark trajectories) and kinetics (e.g. upper/lower neck and lumbar spine loading). Comparisons between injury prediction of dummy and human models were also performed. Preliminary results showed a good correlation between the response of physical THOR dummy and its FE model. A good correlation was observed in terms of neck load between both FE models. The THUMS spine showed a higher bending flexibility within the sagittal plane. In addition, differences were observed in pelvis region where a significant bouncing was observed in THOR model, but not in the THUMS model.

Promising overall results validate the use of the current THOR FE model in vertical load simulations, for evaluation of occupant safety in the aerospace field. In addition, comparison with THUMS human model may help to improve the THOR design and define better injury criteria for vertical loading.