This paper describes the results of 19 tests in which a diagonal shoulder belt dynamically loaded the thorax of unembalmed cadavers and dummies. In all the tests, thoracic external deformations were measured using string potentiometers and two External Peripheral Instrument for Deformation Measurement (EPIDM) transducers. The dummy thorax appears to be significantly stiffer and therefore results in less deflection from shoulder belt loading than the cadaver in the same test conditions.
Abstract