The crash performance of vehicles and their safety features is evaluated through tests defined in automotive safety standards. Anthropomorphic test devices known as crash dummies have similar characteristics as human beings and are fitted with special instrumentation that enables injuries to be assessed. While mathematical models are also used, they are not yet specified in a regulatory environment. Design requirements include repeatability, durability and biofidelity. Because global harmonisation of safety standards is important, international consistency of design and manufacture would be beneficial. Dummies are currently optimised for impacts in only one direction but there is now a need for omni-directional dummies. Size representation is currently limited, particularly with regard to children for whom more biomechanical knowledge is required. Areas for further knowledge include the development of a new generation of advanced, more biofidelic dummies including children; and the development of a family of next generation general purpose dummies which will be omni-directional and biofidelic, able to replicate pre-crash characteristics, able to represent muscle tension and equipped with advanced instrumentation to monitor three dimensional occupant kinematics, occupant loading and injury response.
Abstract