Evaluation of kinematics of SUV to pedestrian impact—Lower leg impactor and dummy approach

Abstract

The paper describes the evaluation of the pedestrian kinematics after a collision with a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with a high bumper. To meet the goal two approaches were chosen. First, the authors carried out the SUV to pedestrian strike simulation using the certified, finite element lower legform impactor. The impact procedure mirrored the car vs. pedestrian collision described in the current Regulation (EC) 78/2009. However, it has been earlier noticed that the overall pedestrian kinematics response may vastly differ if the lower legform impactor hits a car with a high bumper. To evaluate this, an ellipsoid, standing Hybrid III dummy model was also investigated. Subsequent tests of the dummy model, impacted by the high-bonnet vehicle, confirmed that the stand-alone subsystem test with impactors leads to inaccurate assessment of the actual, after impact, pedestrian kinematics.