The anatomical dimensions, inertial properties, and mechanical responses of cadaver leg, foot, and ankle specimens were evaluated relative to those of human volunteers and current anthropometric test devices. Dummy designs tested included: (1) the Hybrid III; (2) the Hybrid III with soft joint stops; (3) the Advanced Lower Extremity prototype (ALEX 1); and (4) the General Motors Corporation (GM)/First Technology Safety Systems (FTSS) lower limbs. Static and dynamic tests of the leg, foot, and ankle were conducted. The inertial and geometric properties of the dummy lower limbs were measured and compared with cadaver properties and published volunteer values. Compression tests of the leg were performed using were performed using static and dynamic loading. Quasi-static rotational properties for dorsiflexion and inversion/eversion motion were obtained for the dummy, cadaver, and volunteer joints of the hindfoot. Dynamic and impact tests were conducted with dummy and cadaver limbs. The testing indicates that passive and active musculature of the leg strongly influences response of the leg, foot, and ankle. The testing suggests that future dummy designs should incorporate these effects. Synthesis of the volunteer and cadaver test results provides physical properties and response corridors of the foot, leg, and ankle for use in mathematical and mechanical models.
Abstract