DEVELOPMENT OF 6MO NUMERICAL CHILD DUMMY MODEL FOR CRASHWORTHINESS ASSESSMENT

The use of finite element model crash test dummies is advantageous over physical dummies because of lower cost and repeatability. However there are not enough models representing six-month-old child dummy models. This paper presents the development of a six-months-old (6MO) finite element dummy model for crash simulation. The model was developed by using both flexible and rigid body materials. The geometry data were collected by direct measurement in a pediatric center and statistically analyzed to ensure their accuracy. Several simulations of major validation test were performed and compared with other published data. A severe crash simulation was conducted to comprehend the head injury criteria which are used as the basis to observe how the model reacts in the crash in terms of flexibility, joint stiffness, and material behavior. The result of Head Injury Criterion (HIC) for frontal and rear crash simulations was examined and it is found that the child dummy reactions are in good agreement with the threshold values.