Abstract The present study was undertaken to determine the impact biomechanics of the facial skeleton secondary to steering wheel loading. Because of the particular relevance of the zygomatic bony complex in facial trauma during motor-vehicle accidents, tests were conducted by impacting the zygoma using a vertical drop impact test system. Zygoma was impacted once onto either soft or rigid wheel surfaces at velocities of up to 6.7 m/s. Peak impact forces at the cadaver zygoma were computed from the generalized force and deformation histories using matrix transformation principles. Structural abnormalities were assessed using pre- and post-test plain radiography, two-and three-dimensional computed tomography, and defleshing techniques. At impact velocities of 1.7 to 6.7 m/s, the human cadaver zygoma did not exhibit clinically significant fractures if the peak force was below 1335 N for the soft wheel interface and 1153 N for the rigid wheel interface. Consequently, to mitigate facial injuries due to unsupported rim impact, the data from the present study suggests that the peak dynamic force should be kept within these limits.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Biodynamics of steering wheel induced facial trauma


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Journal of Safety Research ; 22 , 4 ; 179-190


    Publication date :

    1991-01-01


    Size :

    12 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Steering wheel induced facial trauma

    Yoganandan,N. / Pintar,F. / Sances,A. et al. | Automotive engineering | 1988


    Steering Wheel Induced Facial Trauma

    Sances, Anthony / Schmaltz, Dale / Pintar, Frank et al. | SAE Technical Papers | 1988


    Three-Dimensional computerized Tomography Analysis of Steering Wheel Induced Facial Trauma

    Sances, A. / Yoganandan, N. / Pintar, F. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1996


    Three-dimensional computerized tomography analysis of steering wheel induced facial trauma

    Yoganandan,N. / Sances,A.,Jr. / Pintar,F. et al. | Automotive engineering | 1989


    Biodynamics Bibliography (1966-1969)

    Jones, Walton L. | NTRS | 1971