This study investigates female post-mortem human subject (PMHS) responses and
injuries, comparing them to previously published data from male PMHS tested at a
change in velocity (delta-V) of 56 kph in high-speed rear-facing frontal- impact
(HSRFFI) scenarios. Twelve small female PMHS were subjected to the same HSRFFI
pulse. The subjects were positioned in reinforced production seats, identical to
those from the previous male PMHS studies, and set to recline angles of either
25 or 45 degrees. Instrumentation was used to measure kinematics of the head,
spine, pelvis, and ribs. Whole-body kinematics were recorded using motion
capture. Female PMHS consistently showed lower head restraint, seatback, and lap
belt loads compared to males across all test conditions (Bio Rank System [BRS]
scores >1.0), with BRS scores for head restraint forces as high as 4.0. While
head and T1 kinematics were consistent with males in all-belt-to-seat (ABTS)
conditions (BRS < 1.0), significant differences were found in other body
regions (BRS>1.0). Female PMHS had larger head forward rotation and smaller
pelvis Z-axis displacement (less ramping) than males in the fixed D-ring (FDR)
conditions, leading to major discrepancies (BRS>2.0). In addition, female
chest deflection was smaller in one FDR condition (BRS=1.98), and tibia
acceleration onset was earlier. Female PMHS sustained severe to critical rib
fractures (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS]3-5) similar to males. However, five
females in the FDR conditions and one in the ABTS condition sustained sacral
fractures, an injury not seen in males. Females also had a higher frequency of
lower extremity fractures (7 of 12) and vertebral body fractures (7 of 12)
compared to males. These findings suggest that existing male PMHS data may not
adequately predict responses and injury risks for female PMHS, emphasizing the
need for female-specific biomechanical data to enhance safety tools and models
in HSRFFI scenarios.