Vertical drop impact test system for biomechanical injury assessment: design validation and model development

An investigation was made of the validity and repeatability of a vertical drop impact test system (VDITS), through experimental comparison to free-fall test results at an impact velocity of 5.5 mph. The VDITS is designed to simulate the dynamics of traumatic injury to the head and chest. Comparison of the two systems was based on force/moment and kinematic histories, multiaxis frequency responses, and system model parameters. The VDITS test system has proved to be effective in approximating the unconstrained conditions of free-fall while also providing a method for controlling off-axis motion.<<ETX>>