The effect of duration, rate of onset, and peak acceleration on the dynamic response of the human head and neck.

The parameters of duration, rate of onset and peak acceleration of the sled have been identified already as determinants of the dynamic and injury response of man. A series of human experiments have been conducted to measure the response of the head and the first thoracic vertebrae to these parameters. Comparison time profiles of angular acceleration, angular velocity and linear resultant acceleration at the head anatomical origin and horizontal linear acceleration at the first thoracic vertebral body are presented at each of the three peak sled acceleration levels.