This study investigates the influence of the restraint system on neck loads by using mechanical (sled tests) and mathematical (MADYMO) models of the Hybrid III 50th percentile dummy. The mathematical simulations were based on 168 frontal crash pulses collected from crash recorders, installed in passenger cars in Sweden. Neck loads were evaluated by a new neck injury criterion (NIC protraction), the upper neck flexion moment and the Nij criterion. It was found that a pretensioner, a load limiter or an airbag have the potential to reduce neck loads below recently suggested reference values for long-term neck injuries only as well as short- plus long-term neck injuries. The interaction between the pretensioner, load limiter and airbag was of great importance in order to minimize neck loads.
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