Analysis of Thoracic Loading, Kinematics, and Injuries in Small Overlap Impacts: Field Data and Full-Scale Vehicle Tests with Dummies

In the literature frontal crashes typically have been classified as full, large overlap, or small overlap impacts (SOI) in accordance with the degree of frontal area involvement. These classifications implicitly refer to the degree of longitudinal structure engagement during impact. While full and large overlap impacts have received considerable attention, SOI has undergone limited analyses through field and laboratory investigations. Limited structural engagements may expose occupants to increased intrusions and differing kinematics. The objective of this study was to summarize literature relevant to SOI, determine occupant injuries using CIREN data, and analyze occupant loading and motions using full-scale vehicle tests. CIREN results demonstrated lack of correlation between injury and typical crash severity parameters of ΔV, crush distance, and extent zone. Full-scale crash tests suggested that occupant kinematics in SOI may be unique among frontal impact configurations.