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A detailed finite element model of the human pelvis and lower extremities was developed based on anatomic data from the NIH-sponsored Visible Human Project. Anatomic slices were digitized and converted through a multi-step process into a fully hexahedral element finite element mesh. A procedure was also developed to rotate the femur about the center of rotation of its head to provide various degrees of hip flexion/extension and abduction/adduction. A preliminary series of simulations was conducted using LSDYNA to investigate the effects of hip position on the contact area within the joint and the associated stress levels in the surrounding bony structures. Results suggest that the risk of femoral neck fracture increases as the amount of hip abduction increases.

Three different measurement methods for angular displacement (rotation) of a dummy head and torso were evaluated in a rear impact crash environment. The data were collected using a Hybrid III 50th percentile male dummy in rear impact sled tests tuned to the FMVSS 202 deceleration pulse. Angular rate sensors yielded rotation data closely matching the results from high-speed digital video images to within 3 degrees with a total displacement range up to 110 degrees. Linear acceleration data generally yield less accurate angular displacement results, in addition to being cumbersome in data processing.