This paper is a progress report on the project "Amelioration of Whiplash Injuries in Rear End Impacts", conducted in New South Wales, Australia. The three main aspects of the project are: (1) mechanism of injury; (2) computer simulation of biomechanics; and (3) ergonomic design of protective measures. The ergonomic issues, relevant to the protection of both drivers and passengers, are posture and support, vehicle control, and control of biodynamics. The occurrence of neck injuries was studied in relation to the posture of vehicle occupants; 2004 observations of driving postures were made at a junction where traffic was stopped. The principal methods of reducing the severity of injuries resulting from a collision are vehicle design, seat design, and head/neck support. The parameters available to the seat designer are stiffness, in relation to damping of upholstery and the strength of the seat-back frame. A computer model was developed to investigate the effect of these ergonomic parameters on the likelihood of neck injury. The work concentrated on modelling the HYBRID III anthropometric dummy. Graphs are shown for dummy and seat-pivot stiffness, accelerations, and neck shear force. The main ergonomic parameter considered was the position of the headrest relative to the head at the time of initial impact.
Abstract