This paper presents a comparison of the stiffness characteristics and the initial kinematics response of the face of cadavers and mechanical models. The two mechanical models, based on a modified Hybrid III dummy head, detect localised facial forces. One was equipped with a frangible facial insert. For the second model, a load sensing face (LSF) was developed with piezoelectric sensors providing pressure time histories. Design properties and characteristics of the LSF are described as well as the sensor technique used. Cadavers and dummy were fitted with triaxial accelerometers installed in the sagittal plane of the head at the coronal and lambdoidal sutures. The faces of all test subjects were impacted at the sub-nasal all test subjects were impacted at the sub-nasal maxilla and nasion by a horizontal steel bar of 25 mm diameter. In addition, a mathematical model of the human face is now in progress in an explicit finite element (FE) code. Specific tests to analyse the soft tissue injuries were also carried out. All the results from tests are used: (1) to appreciate the means to evaluate the facial lesions; and (2) to understand the facial behaviour such as an interface, for instance between the airbag and the head. (A)
Abstract