Low speed rear impact remains an acute automative safety problem because of a lack of knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of the human neck early after impact. Poorly validated mathematical models of the human neck or crash test dummy necks make it difficult to optimize automotive seats and head rests. In this study we have constructed an experimental and theoretical modal analysis of the human head-neck system in the sagittal plane. The method has allowed us to identify the mechanical properties of the neck and to validate a mathematical model in the frequency domain. The extracted modal characteristics consist of a first natural frequency at 1.3 + 0.1 Hz associated with head flexion-extension motion and a second mode at 8 + 0.7 Hz associated with antero-posterior translation of the head, also called retraction motion. Based on this new validation parameters we have been able to compare the human and crash test dummy frequency response functions and to evaluate their biofidelity. Three head-neck systems of current test dummies dedicated for use in rear-end car crash accident investigations have been evaluated in the frequency domain. We did not consider any to be acceptable, either because of excessive rigidity of their flexion-extension mode or because they poorly reproduce the head translation mode. In addition to dummy evaluation, this study provides new insight into injury mechanisms when a given natural frequency can be linked to a specific neck deformation.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Modal analysis of the human neck in vivo as a criterion for crash test dummy evaluation


    Additional title:

    In-vivo-modale Analyse des Nackens als Kriterium für die Evaluierung von Aufprall-Testpuppen


    Contributors:
    Willinger, R. (author) / Bourdet, N. (author) / Fischer, R. (author) / Le Gall, F. (author)

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2005


    Size :

    27 Seiten, 19 Bilder, 4 Tabellen, 43 Quellen



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English





    Moose crash test dummy

    Gens, Magnus | SLUB | 2001


    Head–neck finite element model of the crash test dummy THOR

    Yu, H / Medri, M B / Zhou, Q et al. | Online Contents | 2004


    Head-neck finite element model of the crash test dummy THOR

    Yu,H. / Medri,M.P. / Zhou,Q. et al. | Automotive engineering | 2004