Normalization of Side Impact Cadaver Dynamic Response Data Utilizing Regression Techniques

Regression analysis was used to adjust cadaver side impact response data for variation in cadaver size and weight. The adjusted force-time curves were then used to develop a dynamic response specification for a side impact component test device being developed in the NHTSA/MVMA Side Impact Test Procedure Development Program. Side impact cadaver test data sets from the Association Peugeot-Renault and the University of Heidelberg were used in the analysis. A dependent relationship was found between force and the anthropometric variables chest depth and cadaver weight and the test variable drop height. Maximum acceleration and time of peak force or acceleration lacked significant correlation to any of the anthropometric or test variables in the data sets. The resulting regression model was used to normalize the cadaver force-time curves to 50th percentile cadaver chest depth and weight. The force-time curves generated from the application of the predictive force regression equation were then utilized to establish force-time corridors for the side impact test device. These corridors define the thoracic stiffness characteristics seen in the Association Peugeot-Renault and University of Heidelberg lateral impact cadaver tests.