Test methodology for low-speed rear impact human kinematics and dynamics

Design of crash dummies and development of numeric models of the human body require data sets which specify the performance of real humans in crash impact conditions. Rear impact conditions have become increasingly important during the last decade. This resulted in a growing number of research projects focusing on the kinematic and dynamic response of the human body. A test and analysis methodology and procedure to set up these types of tests to establish a set of response parameters are presented in this chapter. Choice of instrumentation, film techniques, and data processing are discussed. An example of anthropometry measures required for further analysis is presented. A three-linkeage mechanism, as an analog used to define response parameters, is introduced. In the past, analysis was limited to head and neck for forward impacts, but this needs to be extended to include the spine and pelvis for rear impact conditions as the interaction of car seat and body cannot be omitted. The response corridors developed from a series of volunteer tests are presented as an illustration of a data set to be used for dummy and numeric model evaluation. The methodology presented here and the specified response parameters can be used for any rear impact full body test and would make it possible to combine results of several research projects which could create a growing database