Biofidelity of Anthropomorphic Test Devices for Rear Impact

Abstract

This study examines the biofidelity, repeatability, and reproducibility of various anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) in rear impacts. The Hybrid III, the Hybrid III with the Rear Impact Dummy (RID) neck, and the 50th% Thoracic Assessment Device (TAD-50) were tested in a rigid bench condition in rear impacts with velocity changes (delta Vs) of 16 and 24 kph. The results of the tests were then compared to J. Mertz and L.M. Patrick's data. The Hybrid III and the Hybrid III with the RID neck were also tested on standard production seats in rear impacts for a delta V of 8 kph. Comparison testing of the Hybrid III and TNO Rear Impact Dummy (TRID) necks were conducted on production seats with different Neck Injury Factor (NIF) scores at delta Vs of 8 and 16 kph. The Hybrid III and the Hybrid III with the pedestrian pelvis were also tested with standard production seats to determine if hip joint stiffness affected the kinematics of the ATD in rear impacts. The standard Hybrid III is a molded pelvis while the pedestrian pelvis is a cut pelvis. It can be concluded that the standard Hybrid III dummy is suitable for rear impact testing. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD E201172.