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21 low velocity direct occipital and lateral head impacts were performed on 17 cadavers. Both damped and undamped impacts were performed at impact velocities of between 2.8 and 6.1 m/s. Head responses were measured using a 9-accelerometer array, and in 8 cases epidural pressure was measured at the contre-coup site. Base of skull and temporal fractures of AIS severity 3 or 4 were produced with undamped impacts at velocities greater than 4.0 m/s. Brain injuries were also observed; these were subdural and sub-arachnoid haematomas of AIS severity 3 or 4. Only minor cervical spine injuries were observed. Head responses were calculated from the 9-accelerometer array data. Linear centre of gravity head acceleration, HIC and angular accelerations are presented. Angular acceleration time-histories calculated with this method appear to be sensitive to local skull deformations and shock wave transmission.

The paper presents and describes results of the FAT research-project Phase I “Kinematics and Loadings during Side Impacts: Comparison between Dummies and Cadavers”. It will report on 30 side impacts at 50 km/h under 90° impact angle conducted with three different dummies and cadavers. On the basis of the test results dummy modifications will be proposed. The side impacts caused following main injuries in the cadavers: rib fractures on the impacted side were most frequently observed (AIS thorax 2-4). The most serious injuries were liver ruptures predominantly on right-side impacted cadavers (AIS up to 5). Cervical spine injuries with an AIS value of 1 and 2 were also noted. Fracture of the pelvis occurred only in one, bony head injuries in two cases.