Synthesis of data towards neck protection criteria for children

Abstract

This paper presents a synthesis of different data sets on both child neck injuries and on neck loads. The following items are used as input to the synthesis: (1) accident reconstruction using forward facing child restraint systems (CRS); (2) sled tests with rearward facing CRS; (3) scaling of adult dummy data; and (4) other research such as results from out-of-position work. Levels from the input sources are compared. Using the synthesis as a basis, the following values are suggested as guidelines for neck protection criteria for child neck injury assessment: (a) 1000 N can be used as a guideline for tensile axial force; (b) 300 N can be used as a guideline for shear force; and (c) 30 Nm can be used as a guideline for forward bending moment. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 871381.