The MVMA Two-Dimensional Crash Victim Simulation

This paper presents the various features and operational properties of a two-dimensional mathematical model of crash victim motions. The earliest forms of this model can be traced to the early 1960s. Developmental work on two-dimensional models then continued both within the automotive industry and in independent organizations such as the Highway Safety Research Institute (HSRI). The most recent product of this activity is the MVMA two-dimensional mathematical crash victim simulation developed at HSRI for the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association.

The features of this model include:

1. 1.
   An eight mass representation of the human body where contact between the crash victim and the vehicle is represented in terms of independent force-deformation properties of the victim and the vehicle.
2. 2.
   An extensible multi-joint neck and a realistically flexible shoulder joint.
3. 3.
   A real-line representation of the vehicle interior or exterior where shape is given as a network of points.
4. 4.
   Specific predictive restraint device submodels for the airbag, the energy absorbing steering column, and a slipping, energy absorbing three-point-belt restraint system.
5. 5.
   A flexible output package including graphics, an injury criteria monitor, and a variety of options for listing, deleting, and comparing selected output variables. Functional properties of the model and potential applications are demonstrated in the paper by examples.