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Diffuse brain injuries are very common in side impacts, accounting for more than half of the injuries to the head. These injuries are often sustained in less severe side impacts. An English investigation has shown that diffuse brain injuries often originate from interior contacts, most frequently with the side window. They are believed to be mainly caused by quick head rotational motions. This paper describes a test method using a Hybrid III dummy head in a wire pendulum. The head impacts a simulated side window or an inflatable device, called the Inflatable Curtain (IC), in front of the window, at different speeds, and at different impact angles. The inflated IC has a thickness of around 70 mm and an internal (over) pressure of 1.5 bar. The head was instrumented with a three axis accelerometer as well as an angular velocity sensor measuring about the vertical (z) axis. The angular acceleration was calculated.

Injuries to motorcyclists lead to permanent disability more often than injuries to car occupants (10 percent versus 6 percent). The use of helmets has decreased the risk of head injuries. Other injuries leading to permanent disability are currently concentrated on the extremities (about 70 percent). Almost all are due to fractures located in joints where knees, elbows, shoulders, and ankles are the modest common spots. In a study based on 200 motorcycle accidents, it was shown the existing protective clothing had no effect on the incidence of fractures to knees, elbows, and shoulders. Based on that knowledge, a new motorcycle suit was constructed. The main goal was to find a shock-absorbing material to protect knees, elbows, and shoulders in an accident. Confor Foam, a medium-density urethane foam, was tested and found to possess relevant characteristics.