Design requirements and specifications: thorax-abdomen development task. Interim report. Trauma assessment device development program

Abstract

While the thorax (i.e., ribcage) of the Hybrid III ATD is significantly improved over that of its predecessor, Hybrid II, additional design changes are needed to achieve improved interaction with, and injury assessment from, the variety of restraint/vehicle environments that are encountered in vehicle impact testing. The scope of these modifications includes not only the ribcage and thorax, but also the shoulder, spine, and abdomen components. In preparation for design and development of new and improved ATD torso components, it was considered important to define the performance requirements and specifications of the new system. This document sets forth design goals and specifications for an improved thorax/spine/shoulder/abdomen system of a frontal impact test dummy and presents the data and rationale upon which these requirements are based. As new biomechanical response and injury data are collected, and as additioonal analyses of old data increase our understanding of human response and injury tolerance for impact environments, the design requirements set forth in this document may require updating and modification.