Simulation analysis of low-speed front-to-rear vehicle impacts for estimating the severity of passenger injury

Abstract

This paper presents practical application methods of the non-linear continuous-contact-force model developed for analysis of a low-speed collision; this is the most common type of traffic accident which also has a high rate of injury. With simulation analysis, the forces transferred through the tyres and the braking effects can be considered. The experimental data on the dynamic behaviour of the vehicles and a BioRid-II dummy measured for 13 low-speed vehicle collision tests were analysed. The results corresponded relatively well to the simulation analysis on the acceleration pulses and the whiplash-associated injury rate. For the simulation analysis of the whiplash-associated injury risk in relation to the passenger head–neck movements in front-to-rear impacts, the acceleration pulse was interfaced with a dummy-behaviour analysis program and the movements of and the injury risk to the dummies were estimated.