The analysis is based upon the results from four projects (a(g1)/2-k11-i1-i2) whose contents and main conclusions are here summarized. On the basis of the experimental results from a set of side collision tests between cars of different mass, the parameters affecting impact severity for the occupants in the struck car are identified. The investigation is conducted especially on the nearside occupant. The chronology of events and the comparison between the laws of motion of the struck wall, the nearside dummy's body segments, the undeformed part of the passenger compartment, show that the impact severity for the occupant depends upon the wall kinematics during the contact with the occupant. The kinematics of the undeformed area of compartment affects to a lesser extent the occupant responses. A comparison between occupant injuries in real accident and cadaver injuries suggests a remarkable difference in the kinematics of a living body and a cadaver. A comparison of the results of real-accident reconstructions in which cadavers and dummies were used shows the different kinematics of cadaver's and dummy's body segments. The comparison clearly stresses the unreliability of the dummies simulating the living body in side collisions. (a)
Samenvatting