Rib strain fields corridors in side and oblique impact based on PMHS tests

Baudrit, Pascal<sup>1</sup>; Leport, Tiphaine<sup>1</sup>

This paper presents the results of a study performed in the framework of the European THOMO project. The objective is to define corridors of rib strain fields measured on human ribs in side and oblique impacts. These corridors could define validation targets for models or dummies.

In 2008, Trosseille et al has shown the interest to measure rib strain on post-mortem human subjects, in order to discriminate several loading conditions (hub, airbag) in side, oblique and frontal impact. Moreover, the rib strains were strongly linked to the rib fracture location. In order to build corridors of strain fields, a set of twelve post-mortem human subject dynamic tests were performed in side and oblique impact, in order to complete existing tests. The ribcage was instrumented with more than 100 strain gauges on the rib, cartilage and sternum.

The paper presents the methodology and the test results, regarding the injuries and measurements. The results of the analysis of rib strain gauges are shown. Rib strain fields corridors are given in side and oblique impacts, for impactor and airbag tests.

Several perspectives are given using these data for the development of finite-element models, and specifically for the development of the Thorax of the Global Human Body Model.

Year

Entry

2005

Charpail E, Trosseille X, Petit P, Laporte S, Lavaste F, Vallancien G. Characterization of PMHS ribs: a new test methodology. Stapp Car Crash J. 2005;49:183-198. SAE 2005-22-0009.

1971

Kroell CK, Schneider DC, Nahum AM. Impact tolerance and response of the human thorax. In: Proceedings of the 15th Stapp Car Crash Conference. November 17-19, 1971; Coronado, CA. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:84-134. SAE 710851.

1974

Kroell CK, Schneider DC, Nahum AM. Impact tolerance and response of the human thorax II. In: Proceedings of the 18th Stapp Car Crash Conference. December 4-5, 1974; Ann Arbor, MI. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:383-457. SAE 741187.

2003

Petit P, Trosseille X, Baudrit P, Gopal M. Finite element simulation study of a frontal driver airbag deployment for out-of-position situations. Stapp Car Crash J. 2003;47:211-241. SAE 2003-22-0011.

2005

Lebarbé M, Potier P, Baudrit P, Petit P, Trosseille X, Vallancien G. Thoracic injury investigation using PMHS in frontal airbag out-of-position situations. Stapp Car Crash J. 2005;49:323-342. SAE 2005-22-0015.