Validation of a Finite Element 50th Percentile THOR Anthropomorphic Test Device in Multiple Sled Test Configurations

Computational models of anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) can be used in crash simulations to quantify the injury risks to occupants in both a cost-effective and time-sensitive manner. The purpose of this study was to validate the performance of a 50^th percentile THOR finite element (FE) model against a physical THOR ATD in 11 unique loading scenarios. Physical tests used for validation were performed on a Horizontal Impact Accelerator (HIA) where the peak sled acceleration ranged from 8-20 G and the time to peak acceleration ranged from 40-110 ms. The directions of sled acceleration relative to the THOR model consisted of -Gx (frontal impact), +GY (left-sided lateral impact), and +GZ (downward vertical impact) orientations. Simulation responses were compared to physical tests using the CORrelation and Analysis (CORA) method. Using a weighted method, the average response and standard error by direction was +Gy (0.83±0.03), -Gx (0.80±0.01), and +Gz (0.76±0.03). Qualitative and quantitative results demonstrated the FE model’s kinetics and kinematics were sufficiently validated against its counterpart physical model in the tested loading directions.