Pedestrian Kinematics Investigation with Finite Element Dummy Models Based on AnthropometryScaling Method

Pedestrian-vehicle impact experiments using cadavers have shown that factors such as vehicle shape and pedestrian anthropometry can influence pedestrian kinematics and injury mechanisms. While a parametric study examining these factors could elucidate the complex relationships that govern pedestrian kinematics, it would be impractical with cadaver tests due to the relative expense involved in performing numerous experiments on subjects with varying anthropometry. On the other hand, finite element (FE) modeling represents a more feasible approach since numerous experiments can be conducted for a fraction of the expense. The current study examined the relationship between pedestrian anthropometry and front shape of a mid-size sedan using a PAM-CRASH model of the 50th percentile male (50th) Polar-II pedestrian dummy extensively validated against experimental data. In order to evaluate the influence of pedestrian anthropometry on response kinematics, scaled dummy models were developed based on the weight and height of the 5th percentile female (5th F) and 95th percentile male (95th M). Simulations of the 5th F, 50th F, 50th M, and 95th Polar-II FE models struck at 40 km/h by a midsize sedan were used to generate trajectories of the head, upper thorax, mid-thorax, and pelvis. In an effort to assess the validity of scaling techniques when interpreting trajectory data from vehicle-pedestrian crashes, the trajectories of the 5th F, 50th F and 95th M model were scaled to the 50th M and compared to those generated with the 50th model. The results demonstrated nonlinear behavior of dummy kinematics that could not be accounted for with traditional linear scaling techniques.