A controlled experimental programme was conducted to determine the response of humans and a human surrogate with experimental lap belt restraints in -Gz acceleration environments. In the programme, lap belt anchorage position (belt angle) and belt tension/slack were varied. Human volunteers were subjected to a static -1.0 Gz acceleration for each restraint configurati on. A 95th percentile male Hybrid III dummy was subjected to a nominal 4.2 5 m/s (9.5 mph), -5 Gz impact while restrained by each restraint configuration. For the -Gz acceleration, significant changes in occupant head excursion were observed with varied lap belt configurations. In general, less pre-crash belt slack and higher lap belt angles produced significant reductions in occupant vertical excursions. This research provides data for use in evaluating or developing occupant survivability systems for rollover crash environments. (A)
Abstract