Previous analysis of the mechanisms of rollover injured occupants concluded that vehicle deformation, crash and occupant factors may have contributed to the likelihood of these injuries, particularly those to the cervical spine. This study uses parametric analysis of a computer simulated rollover crash to show how certain vehicle and crash factors may influence the kinematics of a mid‐sized male crash dummy model and the risk of injury.

A previously validated finite element model of a mid‐sized sedan was subjected to a simulated, repeatable rollover crash test. Nine different vehicle and crash parameters were varied from nominal positions and results generated for dummy kinematics, injury measures such as Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and upper neck forces and moments, and maximum roof deformations. Over 90 simulations were run and statistically analyzed using analysis of variance techniques to determine factors most influencing dummy and vehicle responses.

Of all parameters simulated, the pitch angle, defined as the forward angle of the vehicle relative to its longitudinal axis, influenced the dummy’s head and neck injury measures the most, accounting for 50% of the response in some cases. Drop height, roll angle, and roof geometry had significant influence on the maximum roof deformation. Identifying the most influential vehicle and crash factors in the model may lead to changes in vehicle design to minimize vehicle rollover crash response and the risk of occupant injury.