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This research focuses on comparing the biomechanical response of the head and neck of the Hybrid III 3-year-old anthropometric test device finite element model and pediatric cadaver data, under flexion-extension bending and axial tensile loading conditions. Previous experimental research characterized the quasi-static biomechanical response of the pediatric cervical spine under flexion-extension bending and tolerance in tensile distraction loading conditions. Significant differences in rotational and linear stiffness were found between the Hybrid III model and the pediatric cadaver data. In this research the biomechanical child cadaver neck response has been implemented into the 3-year-old Hybrid III child dummy FE model. An explicit finite element code (LS-DYNA) and the modified Hybrid III model were used to numerically simulate the previous cadaver tests and validate the altered Hybrid III neck.

This research focuses on the further development of a child finite element model whereby implementation of pediatric cadaver testing observations considering the biomechanical response of the neck of children under tensile and bending loading has occurred. Prior to this investigation, the biomechanical neck response was based upon scaled adult cadaver behaviour. Alterations to the material properties associated with ligaments, intervertebral discs and facet joints of the pediatric cervical spine were considered. No alteration to the geometry of the child neck finite element model was considered. An energy based approach was utilized to provide indication on the appropriate changes to local neck biomechanical characteristics. Prior to this study, the biomechanical response of the neck of the child finite element model deviated significantly from the tensile and bending cadaver tests completed by Ouyang et al.

This study focuses on the behaviour of child dummies, namely a 3-year-old Hybrid III and a TNO P3, in terms of head and neck injury potential in forward and rearward facing child safety seats in frontal vehicle crash. Numerical simulations were conducted using a moderate acceleration pulse acquired from the National Transportation Biomechanics Research Center database with a closing speed of 41 km/h. A finite element model incorporating a three-year-old Hybrid III dummy, in a five-point convertible child safety seat was developed and the prescribed acceleration pulse was simulated using LS-DYNA. A multi-body dynamic simulation, utilizing the identical acceleration pulse, was completed for the three-year-old P3 dummy in a four-point convertible child safety seat using MADYMO. Similarities and differences were noted in the numerical observations for both the P3 and Hybrid III dummies which are presented within the paper.