An Evaluation of Various Viscous Criterion Computational Algorithms

The viscous criterion (V*C) has been proposed by biomechanics researchers as a generic biomechanical index for potential soft tissue injury. It is defined by the product of the velocity of deformation and the instantaneous compression of torso and abdomen. This criterion requires calculation and differentiation of measured torso/abdomen compression data.

Various computational algorithms for calculating viscous criterion are reviewed and evaluated in this paper. These include methods developed by Wayne State University (WSU), NHTSA (DOT) and Ford. An evaluation has been conducted considering the accuracy of these algorithms with both theoretical and experimental data from dummy rib compressions obtained during a crash test. Based on these results, it is found that:

• V*C results depend on the scheme used in the computation process, the sampling rate and filtering of original raw data.
• The NHTSA method yields the lowest V*C value.
• The WSU method gives about the same, but fluctuating, V*C value as the Ford method.
• The Ford method provides an accurate and smooth V*C result.

It is recommended that the computation method/ process should be standardized.