Development of an occupant multi-body model based on Japanese male characteristics data for rear impact analysis

Abstract

A human multi-body model was developed to quickly analyse vehicle occupant responses during rear collision. The outer body geometry of the human model was obtained from scan data of a Japanese male. Data were divided into 17 rigid body segments. The centre of gravity, mass and moment of inertia of each segment was determined by regression. Sixteen articulations were modelled with revolute joints. Characteristics of each joint were defined according to data of passive joint resistance and range of motion for Japanese men. The model was then validated against results of reported Japanese volunteer rear impact tests. Simulation and experimental results agreed well in terms of the rotational angle of the head and neck and the horizontal displacement of the first thoracic vertebra (T1). Hence, a reasonable occupant model can be developed by appropriately combining published data of human characteristics.