Evaluation of behaviour of an obese human body model in frontal sled tests. (22nd June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Joodaki, Hamed; Gepner, Bronislaw; Katagiri, Maika; Kerrigan, Jason
• Is Part Of: International journal of vehicle safety. Volume 12:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 34
• Publication Date: 2021-06-22
• Subjects: obese HBM -- obesity -- motor vehicle collisions -- biofidelity -- GHBMC; Automobiles -- Design and construction -- Periodicals; Automobiles -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; 629.222028905
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-3105

Abstract

The goal of this study was to assess the behaviour of an obese Human Body Model (HBM) in frontal sled tests. The results of rear-seat sled tests with an obese (BMI = 35) Post Mortem Human Surrogate (PMHS) were used to evaluate the performance of the obese HBM in matching conditions. Also, the responses of a non-obese HBM (BMI = 25) and the obese HBM were compared in a front-seat frontal impact test. In the rear-seat tests, both the obese HBM and the obese PMHS experienced a large forward excursion, delayed lap belt engagement with the pelvis, and a reclined-to-upright torso angle throughout the tests, which were the effects of large body mass and thick flesh. In the front-seat simulations, the obese HBM experienced a larger excursion than the non-obese HBM. The obese HBM can be a useful tool to design and optimise restraint system for front-seat occupants with obesity.