A new prototype pregnant abdomen for the Hybrid III small-female Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) is being developed and has been evaluated in a series of component and whole-dummy tests. The new abdomen uses a fluid-filled silicone-rubber bladder to represent the human uterus at 30-weeks gestation, and incorporates anthropometry based on measurements of pregnant women in an automotive driving posture. The response of the new pregnant abdomen to rigid-bar, belt, and close-proximity airbag loading closely matches the human cadaver response, which is thought to be representative to the response of the pregnant abdomen. In the current prototype, known as MAMA-2B (Maternal Anthropomorphic Measurement Apparatus, version 2B), the risk of adverse foetal outcome is determined by measuring the peak anterior pressure within the fluid-filled bladder. Peak internal bladder pressures measured in a series of sled test simulations of frontal crashes of different severities and occupant restraint conditions have been correlated to the likelihood of adverse foetal outcome based on risk curves developed from in-depth investigations of real-world crashes involving pregnant occupants. Compared to the original pregnant abdomen, the new prototype has improved geometry and improved impact response to a range of potential in-vehicle loading conditions. However, additional instrumentation development and more rigorous testing are needed before the MAMA-2B can be confidently used to assess restraint system performance with regard to reducing the likelihood of adverse foetal outcome in motor vehicle crashes. (Author/publisher) For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD E206605.
Abstract