Authors: Devon L. Albert, Samuel T. Bianco, Allison J. Guettler, David M. Boyle, Andrew R. Kemper, Warren N. Hardy
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the forward excursions of the Hybrid III and THOR 50th-percentile male ATDs to PMHS in the rear seat when advanced or conventional restraints are equipped. A total of 16 frontal sled tests were performed with either PMHS or ATDs seated in the rear seat of four production vehicle bucks: two with advanced restraints and two with conventional restraints. Peak forward excursions of the head, shoulders, hips, and knees were quantified for all surrogates. All surrogates followed the same trends across vehicles. The vehicles with advanced restraints resulted in the lowest excursions for the lower body and either greatest or lowest excursions for the upper body. The vehicles with conventional restraints produced the greatest forward excursions for the lower body. Comparing between surrogates, the Hybrid III forward excursions better matched the PMHS response for the upper body, while the THOR better matched the PMHS response for the lower body.
Type: Short Communication