In this study tests in probably higher injury risk configurations with dummies and cadavers were performed. The aim was to investigate the mechanical responses and arm injuries under the influence of a side air bag. During the air bag inflation, the left or right forearm of the subject was positioned on the arm rest while the upper arm made contact with the seat back edge. During the post test film review it was determined, that the interaction of the Hybrid III dummy with the side air bag was different from that of the cadaver. The duration of the time-histories for the resultant accelerations varied between 10 and 15 ms. For the cadavers, the highest acceleration values were measured at the humerus with a maxima between 193 and 334 g, the lowest accelerations were measured at the Th1 with a maximum between 13 and 26 g. The dummies showed the highest values at the elbow and the wrist. In cadaver tests acceleration values were clearly than in the dummy tests. The maximum bending moments for the three humeri were between 130 and 148 Nm. The results indicate that even old people can endure the inflation of a side air bag without suffering humerus fractures. (A)
Abstract