The objective of this study is to propose an experimental and analytical method to analyse head impact which uses a more realistic model of the head than a single mass model. In the experimental components of the study, a Hybrid III dummy head and the recently published dummy head "Bimass 150" was dropped on to beams with different characteristics. The analytical component of the study consists of the mathematical construction of a lumped parameter model of the head which distinguishes the brain from other masses in the head and model of the head which use a single mass. The simulation of the impact of these models with a mathematical model of a beam are then compared to the previous experimental data. It is concluded that the experimental or analytical modelling of the head mechanical behaviour has an important influence on the structure response, and that this has to be taken into consideration in the analysis of structure aggressiveness. (A)
Abstract