Abstract
This study deals with the knowledge of human behaviour under impact conditions close to those of the real world and the verification of the sensitivity of the lateral criteria deflection and V*C to mass and velocity variation. A series of 11 tests were conducted on unembalmed cadavers with a guided horizontal impactor. The impactor masses used were 12 and 16 kg and the velocities were 6 to 8.5 m/s. The impact surface was flat, rigid and of 15 cm diameter. Identical tests were carried out with a Eurosid-1 dummy. In these tests conditions, the behaviour of the Eurosid-1 thorax could be improved. The V*C and the deflection criteria are sensitive to the variations of the impact masses and velocities. (A)