The Vehicle’s Frontal Impact Influence on Driver in out of Position

Abstract

The present paper underpins a contrastive study of the driver’s behavior and the injuries suffered in frontal vehicle collision, with a focus on the analysis of head-specific injuries. Four different simulation cases have been performed by means of the LS-DYNA software, where a seated belted and/or unbelted Hybrid III 50th percentile male dummy was in turns normally-positioned and out of position. Accordingly, both the analyses as well as the numerical simulation have been completed by applying a five-component model that encompasses: the dummy, the seat, the seatbelt, the steering wheel and the airbag. The assembly’s prescribed motion has been defined following a frontal Virtual Crash software-based impact simulation of a mid-size sedan at a velocity of 50 km/h against a rigid wall. The results analysis aimed at identifying the longitudinal variation laws over time in head displacements and accelerations as well as lateral motion. Admittedly, the results analysis certified that a more controlled-oriented approach to the selection of the driver’s normal positioning is a prerequisite in compliance with typical driving particularities.