Comparison of the Dynamic Responses of Anthropomorphic Test Devices and Human Anatomic Specimens in Experimental Pedestrian Impacts

As part of NHTSA's overall program on pedestrian injury reduction, Battelle has conducted several comprehensive experimental studies using both anatomic specimens and adult and 6-year-old child dummies to investigate the injury related effects of vehicle front end geometry and compliance. One of the initial objectives was the design and development of suitable adult and 6-year-old child dummies for use as pedestrian surrogates. This paper (1) describes the design specifications for the dummies and subsequent improvements during extensive experimental testing, and (2) compares the dynamic responses of the dummies with those of unembalmed cadaveric specimens in pedestrian impact situations. The comparison of the dynamic response for similar experimental impact conditions between the unembalmed cadavers and the adult dummy shows a high degree of similarity in acceleration levels, physical displacement, and time phasing.