Sharing of collision energy between cars in frontal impacts.

D. Wood and C. Simms proposed a theoretical model for the apparent mass effect for frontal collisions between dissimilar cars. The central tenet of this theory is that the apportionment of collision energy between the colliding pair of cars is a function of the structural collapse forces at maximum dynamic crush. The objective of the work presented in this poster is to use the model of matching the structural collapse forces at maximum dynamic crush to evaluate how collision energy is shared between the colliding pair of cars, and to identify the relationship between relative injury risk (RIR), mass ratio (Mr) and energy absorption ratio (Er). In a figure, the variation of Er with Mr and energy equivalent speed (EES) for the smaller car is shown. In another figure, the variation in RIR with Mr and Er is shown. Regression analysis of the mean RIR, Mr and Er characteristic is shown in this figure and yields a mathematical model. This model shows that RIR in frontal collisions between dissimilar cars is a function of Mr and Er.