In the development of new car models, computer simulation methods are now used, replacing the need for physical prototypes. While simulations of dummies are needed for legal compliance reasons, improved safety is more generally dependent on improved models of the human. These humanoid models can be used to specify occupant kinematics and to measure loading conditions from restraints and interior structures. Further developments will enable injuries to be simulated within a more flexible and realistic crash environment. Development of modelling techniques has progressed from multibody models aimed at reproducing human kinetics, through to simulation of individual body segments and now full-body models are in the validation phase.These can predict injuries through stress/strain values but cannot yet reproduce injuries. Areas for further knowledge include development of procedures for evaluation, validation and acceptance of a model, following minimum standards needed to determine the suitability of a model for research or engineering purposes; development of a mechanism to systematically manage any particular set of human physical characteristics including techniques to represent the range of human population variation; meeting the need for more detailed and more accurate information on the properties of human biological material and structures; and the improvement of biomechanical knowledge, particularly appertaining to children.
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