ATD Spine Response as a Function of Crash Pulse Input

摘要

The objective of this research project was to evaluate lumbar spine loads in a 50% HIII ATD under four different frontal crash pulses and limit any variable interactions. A series of sled tests were conducted utilizing a stock vehicle seat. Pulse inputs included a generic frontal, generic pole, 40% offset, and a modified pole all with a 56 km/h delta-v. The ATD had the FAA straight spine kit installed utilizing thoracic and lower lumbar load cells. A fixed seat belt system and generic knee bolster and floor pan were utilized. Data collected included, thoracic and lumbar forces, pelvis Z accelerations, femur forces, and belt loads. Results of the test series indicate that crash pulse influences the lumbar loads. Specific crash pulses in combination with timing of dummy contact with the seat pan produced lower lumbar compressive loads ranging from 0.3 to 3.2 kN. ATD response and kinetics are influenced by the crash pulse and may require seating systems to adapt to pulse differences. This study demonstrated the effects of crash pulse variations and timing of restraint interaction on spinal loading in frontal impact scenarios.