Abstract
This study investigates the peak force and force at fracture in the patella complex from an axial load similar to that of a knee bolster impact during a frontal automobile collision. A rigid impactor and a 689 kPa padded impactor are used to compare the mechanical behaviour of ‘older’ (mean = 74 years) and ‘younger’ (35 years) post-mortem human surrogate (PMHS) populations. Age-related differences in peak forces and fracture patterns were observed using both impactors, and we hypothesise that the stiffer response of the patella complex in the 74-year-old PHMS group is responsible for these differences. Furthermore, four fracture detection methods (acoustic sensors, strain gauges, piezo-electric sensors and accelerometers) were investigated; the acoustic sensor was found to give the most useful crack detection data. These experimental results can assist numerical modelling and design efforts aimed at reducing the incidence and severity of automotive-related knee injuries.
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