A prototype multi-directional neck (MDN) which exhibits improved kinematic biofidelity in both frontal and lateral impacts has been developed. This prototype's primary goal was to reproduce the kinematics illustrated by volunteers in the Naval Biodynamics Laboratory tests, because current dummy necks were developed before these results were acquired. The MDN can be adapted for use on the Hybrid III dummy and the Advanced Dummy, and incorporates angular motion sensors (AMS) to measure the kinematic performance. MADYMO models were used to determine design parameters. The prototype's behaviour was evaluated in pendulum and sled tests. The head and neck kinematics of the multi-directional neck, the Hybrid III neck, and volunteers are compared to each other.
Samenvatting