This paper describes several aspects of neck trauma biomechanics, and the theoretical and experimental basis of a research programme on whiplash injury mechanisms at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia. It first reviews relevant research elsewhere. The UNSW research programme aims to establish causal relationships, from which neck injury and tolerance criteria can be developed. It has been designed to investigate some aspects of neck injury arising from rear-end collisions. It aims to investigate the kinematics of the cervical spine during whiplash loadings, and the resulting injury, propose injury mechanisms and develop injury and tolerance criteria, establish valid numerical methods for examining ameliorative methods, investigate the ergonomics of seated vehicle occupants, and suggest ways of reducing the incidence of neck injury in rear-end collisions. The research methods to be used are: (1) skid tests using car seats and instrumented HYBRID III dummies; (2) numerical modelling and parametric studies using finite element methods and lumped mass studies; (3) ergonomic studies of seated postures; and (4) dynamic tests with isolated neck tissue, to examine neck injury mechanisms and mechanical properties.
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