Biomechanically-based test surrogates are a valuable tool when used to evaluate side impact protection strategies, particularly when their responses are understood relative to dummy injury reference values. Test surrogates such as the BIOSID and EUROSID-1 side impact dummies have anatomically located pelvic load cells to help describe in varying degrees the pelvic load paths and help indicate the potential for pelvic injury.
From a rigid body analysis, it was determined that the BIOSID pelvic structure can be separated into two rigid bodies due to load cell placement. A new configuration for the sacrum load cell is proposed for the BIOSID pelvis.
Hammer impact tests were conducted on the BIOSID pelvis. The tests identified the load paths through the pelvis and indicated the relationship between the load cells. From rigid wall sled tests, the pelvis load cells were summed to identify the applied total external load.
In addition, dynamic pelvis probe impact tests were conducted on the BIOSID, EUROSID-1 and SID dummies. The pelvic responses of all three dummies were compared. Lateral acceleration and pubic load values were different between the SID, EUROSID-1 and BIOSID. A single pelvic injury criterion may not be applicable to all three dummies.