Energy Absorber for Vehicle Occupant Safety and Survivability

Abstract : Motivation for vehicle upper interior impact absorbers defined as follows: Interior surfaces of combat vehicles are generally relatively stiff due to armor protection; Tactical vehicle panels are becoming progressively more stiff as armor protection level increases; Hard surfaces in vehicle interior can pose a head injury hazard to occupants during impact events such as collisions and secondary impacts due to blast events; Turret rings and other interior assemblies offer additional opportunities to reduce head impact severity. Helmets, amount of space and the need for increased space will offer more effective reduction of head impact severity. Impacts between the head and the upper interior components, including pillars, side rails, headers, and roofs of civilian vehicles are the leading cause of head injury for non-ejected occupants in crashes.