Injury analysis under different loading directions for occupants in oblique far-side impact

Abstract

Side impact was determined as a prevalent type of traffic accidents and had become a growing concern due to the severe chest and abdomen injuries sustained by far-side occupants. In response, this study established an analysis model to investigate far-side occupants injuries during oblique side impacts. The study analysed the unique chest and abdomen injury of far-side occupants and identified kinematic differences in occupant response to impacts of varying loading directions. The results indicated that when side impacts were directed differently, significant increases in chest and abdomen deflection for the far-side occupant were caused, with a maximum increase of 308.8% and 86.0% respectively. Moreover, a linear regression analysis was conducted on the occupants’ chest deflection and the angle of impact during oblique side impacts, revealing a significant linear relationship between these two. Additionally, changing the directions of the oblique side impacts had a considerable effect on the occupants’ kinematic response, with maximum change in the transverse displacement of the head centre of gravity reaching 529.5 mm. The results of the study can provide a reference for the investigation of far-side occupants’ injury protection.