This paper reviews previously proposed facial injury assessment techniques with emphasis on the biomechanical realism of each of the procedures. In addition, biomechanical data on the response of the face to localized and distributed loads are analyzed to provide performance goals for a biomechanically realistic face. A new GM-Research modification to the Hybrid III dummy face is described, which produces biomechnically realistic frontal impact response and provides for contact force determination using conventional Hybrid III instrumentation. The modification retains the anthropometric and inertial properties and the forehead impact response of the standard Hybrid III head. It consists of a new facial skin molding overlying a deformable element that is replaced after each impact. Residual deflection of the element allows post-impact estimation of the loaded area. The magnitude and location of facial contact force is calculated through post-test processing of head accelerations and neck loads. Data demonstrating the utility of the prototype facial structure in steering system injury assessment tests are presented. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference, see IRRD 837684.
Samenvatting