Lawrence M. Patrick

Airbag Effects on the Out-Of-Position Child

This paper describes experiments involving airbag systems. Because there is the least amount of data on the tolerance of children to impact, the out-of-position child was used in the experiments. After careful consideration it was decided that a primate of approximately the same weight as a child be used, which would provide the most realistic evaluation of potential injuries. The animal chosen for the experimental program was the baboon. Five distinct positions were chosen and this paper describes in detail the experimental physiological conditions and results. For the covering abstract see IRRD 810752. (Author/TRRL)

Response of the Seated Human Cadaver to Acceleration and Jerk with and without Seat Cushions

Human cadavers were subjected to seat-to-head accelerations to a maximum acceleration and jerk (rate of change of acceleration) of 18 g and 2600 g/sec, respectively, with six different types of seat cushions. Strain gages were cemented to the vertebral column and accelerometers were attached to bone at several levels of the body. The object of the experiments was to observe the effects of varying magnitude of acceleration, jerk, and seat cushions on the strain and acceleration response of the cadaver. Results indicate that dynamic load factor (ratio of peak to mean response) increases with jerk at low jerk levels to a maximum and thereafter remains relatively independent of jerk; increases with mean or terminal acceleration in the range of these tests; and increases for all types of cushions used in these tests. Strains measured on the body of vertebrae, particularly in the lumbar region, correspond closely to body accelerations, but strains measured on the rear of vertebrae were not related to body accelerations.

Lumbar and pelvic orientations of the vehicle seated volunteer

An X-ray radiographic study of two volunteers in a vehicle seated configuration was performed to gain insights into the lower torso skeletal geometry associated with this posture. A pseudo three-dimensional analysis of each radiogram was utilized to obtain quantitative results. The analyses provided indications of the pelvis and femur relative and absolute orientations. Further, the geometry of the lumbar spine and its location relative to the pelvis were defined. The relevance of the data from the standpoint of anthropomorphic dummy design is discussed, and recommendations are offered for further studies of vehicle seat/vehicle occupant interfacing biomechanics. Anthropometric data on each volunteer are included. Language: en

Safety Performance of Shaped Steering Assembly Airbag

This paper discusses a program wherein studies were made of forward force simulations of crashes and destructive barrier crashes using a shaped steering assembly airbag. It was shown that the airbag was offered the best protection when compared with the performance of lap belts and lap and shoulder belt combinations. This shaped airbag deploys between the abdomen and the steering wheel and between the head and the steering wheel, thus providing protection of these two important areas.