Simulation Analysis of Head/Neck Impact Response for Helmeted and Unhelmeted Motorcyclists

摘要

The purpose of the study was to determine by use of computer simulations both quantitative and qualitative measures of the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets in reducing head and neck injuries in motorcyclist impacts. The computer model used was the MVMA Two-Dimensional Crash Victim Simulation. The study investigated a wide variety of impact conditions in order to establish a broad overall view of the effectiveness of helmet use. The potential of the helmet to both beneficially and detrimentally affect head and neck response was examined. It was found that helmet use invariably lessens the exposure levels of dynamic responses which have a role in producing head injury. In addition, the study finds helmet use to almost always reduce the severity of neck response as well and for no simulation configuration or condition to greatly increase the likelihood of neck injury. Thus, in the spectrum of realworld motorcyclist impacts, helmet use is predicted to significantly reduce the overall likelihood and severity of both head and neck injuries.