Evaluation of Occupant Kinematics and Kinetics during Moderate Severity Simulated Frontal Impacts with and without Frontal Airbag Deployment

Airbag and seat belt pretensioner deployment characteristics depend on multiple factors, such as the magnitude, direction, and rate of vehicle deceleration as detected by vehicle crash sensors and evaluated by vehicle-specific algorithms. Frontal airbag and pretensioner deployments are likely to be commanded during frontal crash events with high initial vehicle deceleration typically associated with high vehicle change in velocity (delta-V). However, within a range of moderate changes in vehicle speeds, referred to as the “gray zone,” a vehicle-specific algorithm may or may not command deployment depending on crash pulse parameters and occupant sensing, among other items. Publicly available testing in the moderate-speed range is lacking and would be useful to evaluate the effects of airbag and pretensioner deployment on occupant kinematics and loading. In this study, sled tests were performed using a standard passenger vehicle buck simulating frontal deceleration impact events in a “gray-zone” severity of 19 kph (12 mph) delta-V and in a typical deployment severity of 32 kph (20 mph) delta-V. Matched sled tests were performed with and without airbag deployment with instrumented Hybrid III 50th percentile anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) properly belted in the driver and front passenger seats. Additionally, one paired test was conducted at 19 kph with and without pretensioner deployment in the presence of airbag deployment. Airbag deployment for the 19 kph delta-V tests did not significantly affect occupant kinematics or loading compared to the non-deployment tests, while some differences were apparent for the 32 kph delta-V tests. In all tests, injury metrics were well below applicable injury assessment reference values (IARVs).