Experimental evidence is presented to document the load-bearing capability of the articular facets which join the vertebrae of the spine together posteriorly. Contrary to the general opinion that these facets carry no vertical load, this paper gives qualitative as well as quantitative data to show that there exists a dual load path along the vertebral column. Extensively instrumented human cadavers were used as test subjects. Strain gages were used to provide qualitative evidence of facets load while a unique intervertebral load cell supplied quantitative information of the load-bearing role of the facets. The results of this study led to a clearer understanding of the mechanism of injury to the vertebral column during +Gz impact acceleration.
Occupant model environments (MADYMO) are developed for four surrogate vehicles for injury risk computation in frontal crash fleet simulations: a small passenger car, a midsize passenger car, a midsize sport utility vehicle and a full size pickup truck. This research supports the initial implementation of a novel methodology for Evaluating Fleet, i.e., self and partner, Protection (EFP) of new vehicle designs through a systems modeling approach driven by structural and occupant modeling and real world crash and full scale test data. A two part general framework for development of occupant models for fleet vehicles is established: model development (Part I) and model verification and robustness evaluation (Part II). In Part I, current generic occupant models with seat belt and airbag restraints are obtained from restraint manufacturers and then modified to reflect the interior geometry and clearances of the desired vehicle. Data from finite element structural simulations, including the occupant compartment geometry, crash pulse, and toe pan intrusions, are utilized to drive the MADYMO models. Restraint system and dummy seating changes are incorporated to achieve a realistic match for both midsize male and small female driver dummy responses from available frontal crash tests. Part II involves comparing occupant responses from simulation and test data, and assessing trends in occupant responses in selected crash configurations for application in frontal crash fleet simulations.
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