Physical simulation of human leg-bumper impacts

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Aldman, B.¹; Lundell, B.¹; Thorngren, L.¹; Bunketorp, O.²; Romanus, B.²

Physical simulation of human leg-bumper impacts

Proceedings of the 1979 International IRCOBI Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact

Affiliations

¹Traffic Safety, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg

²Department of Orthopaedic Surgery II, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Abstract

A method was developed for experimental studies of leg injuries in simulated car-pedestrian collisions. Human legs, amputated at the femur, were used. The legs were loaded with a mass corresponding to the actual body weight and were hit at either of two different speeds, 17 or 24 km/h by a bumper fitted to a test cart. A narrow rigid and a wider semi-rigid standard bumper were used together with a simulated bonnet. The bumpers were mounted at 25 cm or 45 cm above ground level. A smooth and compliant impact surface was also tested to investigate its injury reducing potential. Skeletal and soft tissue injuries produced by this technique are described and the significance of impact speed, bumper hight and the mechanical properties of the frontal car structures are discussed.

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Cited By (16)

Year	Entry
2015	Simms CK, Wood D, Fredriksson R. Pedestrian injury biomechanics and protection. In: Yoganandan N, Nahum AM, Melvin JW, eds. Accidental Injury: Biomechanics and Prevention. 3rd ed. New York: Springer; 2015:721-753.
1980	Aldman B, Thorngren L, Bunketorp O, Romanus B. An experimental model system for the study of lower leg and knee injuries in car pedestrian accidents. In: Proceedings of the 8th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). October 21-24, 1980; Wolfsburg, Germany.841-849.
1982	Bunketorp O, Aldman B, Thorngren L, Romanus B. Clinical and experimental studies on leg injuries in car-pedestrian accidents. In: Proceedings of the 9th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). November 1-4, 1982; Kyoto, Japan.376-386.
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1985	Costanzo A. General problems concerning car-pedestrian collision. In: Proceedings of the 10th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). July 1-4, 1985; Oxford, England.943-948. SAE 856109.
1985	Aldman B, Kajzer J, Bunketorp O, Eppinger R. An experimental study of a modified compliant bumper. In: Proceedings of the 10th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). July 1-4, 1985; Oxford, England.1035-1040. SAE 856118.
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