This paper describes the development of a test method for pedestrian head impacts. An analysis of the literature yielded a zone of possible head impact points for pedestrians involved in accidents (children and adults) involving head/bonnet impact. For the vehicle impact velocity of 40km/h specified in the award of this project, it was possible to obtain impact velocities and dent patterns for cadaver tests using full-scale tests. One head impactor each for child and adult were designed and built, and calibration requirements deduced. Satisfactory results were obtained in a comparison of impactor tests and full-scale cadaver tests. Basic tests were performed on the influence of impactor weight, shape, the necessity of an outer skin, minimum bonnet deformation, etcetera.
Samenvatting