Experimental studies have been undertaken using a rotationally symmetrical pedestrian dummy (RSPD) as a tool for the assessment of car bumper aggressivity to pedestrians in low speed collisions (about 20 km/h). Aggressivity of different current bumpers, experimental foam bumpers and a standard bumper with an additional structure fitted below the bumper, was evaluated. The frontal bumper is now required to protect certain car structures in lower speed collision (less or equal than 8km/h). Such a bumper with extended structure mounted below would protect the adult pedestrian leg from knee injuries and probably lower leg fractures in pedestrian accidents at or below 20 km/h. This would require a structure which protrudes considerably in the front of the car and is designed to actively lower the contact point during impact. However, reasonably good protection can also be achieved if the scope is limited to a lower speed range. An additional structure fitted below a standard bumper is capable of transferring the forces necessary to accelerate the leg and reduce contact with the bumper. As an example results from tests with a structure which is only protruding about 30 mm in front of the standard bumper are shown. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference, see IRRD 837684.
Abstract