Facial fracture probability secondary to steering wheel impact.

Author(s)
Yoganandan, N. Sances, A. jr Pintar, F. Reinartz, J. & Haffner, M.
Year
Abstract

This paper describes the techniques used to conduct: (i) quasi-static and dynamic tests on the steering wheel; and (ii) intact fresh human cadaver head impact tests at the unsupported rim (USR) location on both an energy absorbing (EA) and a standard (STD) steering wheel. The most important conclusions are as follows: (1) The junction of the lower spoke and rim (LSR) is stiffer than the center of the USR under quasi-static loading for both the EA and STD wheels; (2) The interface force-time response at the wheel rim typically exhibits bimodal behaviour. The first force peak appears to be a function of wheel rim inertia. The second peak appears to be largely driven by the force-deflection behaviour of the wheel; (3) At low impact velocities, the first peak is smaller than the second one; (4) Interface force was determined to be the most likely variable that correlates with zygomatic bone fracture. A force of 1525 N corresponds to a facial fracture probability of 50% for the EA wheel at the LSR location; (5) No fractures were documented at the USR location on the EA wheel at velocities up to 6.7 m/s; and (6) additional tests are required to completely describe the probability distribution for the STD wheel at the LSR and USR locations.

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Publication

Library number
C 2688 (In: C 2572 [electronic version only]) /84 / IRRD 864722
Source

In: Proceedings of the thirteenth International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles ESV, Paris, France, 4-7 November, 1991, Volume 2, p. 891-901, 25 ref.

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