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The Crash Victim Simulator Three Dimensional Model (CVS-3D) allows the simulation of the kinematics and responses of a motor vehicle occupant or pedestrian during a crash. This paper summarizes the data requirements for the CVS-3D Model, the sources of data, and the research underway to provide additional data for modeling the occupant and the vehicle. An example of the use of the model in reconstructing an offset frontal accident is included. The results computed by the model are quite reasonable when compared with the injuries received by the occupant. The insights into the events which occurred during the crash are excellent.

The CVS/ATB (Crash Victim Simulator/ Articulated Total Body) computer program solves the equations of motion in three dimensional space for a set of rigid bodies connected by joints. The program permits the specification of contact interaction properties between the rigid bodies and the surrounding environment. It is, therefore, possible to specify initial conditions of motion for the rigid bodies, and calculate the subsequent motion resulting from the forces imposed by the environment. The program is sufficiently general that it can be applied to a wide range of physical dynamic situations. However, the principal motivation for its development was to evaluate the interactions of the human body with the environment inside a motor vehicle during a crash. Subsequently, it has been applied to a number of other dynamic simulations including pedestrian to vehicle impacts and the emergency escape of air crew from aircraft. The CVS/ATB program is in the public domain.

The absence of data on the load deflection and energy absorption characteristics of vehicle interiors has been a factor which limits the accuracy of crash victim simulations. A recent test program conducted for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed data on the interactions of dashboards and knee panels with chests and knees. This paper summarizes the test results for several vehicles and shows how these results are used in simulating vehicle crash tests. Comparisons between crash tests and computer reconstruction using the 3-Dimensional Crash Victim Simulator (CVS-3D) for a late model car are included. The simulation shows good agreement with test and illustrates the application of available static and dynamic test data to improve occupant simulations.

A significant number of documented ankle injuries incurred in automobile accidents indicate some form of lateral loading is present to either cause or influence injury. A high percentage of these cases occur in the absence of occupant compartment intrusion. To date, no specific ankle injury mechanism has been identified to explain these types of injuries. To investigate this problem, several resources were used including full-scale crash test data, finite element models, and case study field data. Results from car-to-car, offset frontal crash tests indicate a significant lateral acceleration (10-18 g) occurs at the same time as the peak in longitudinal acceleration. The combined loading condition results in a significant lateral force being applied to the foot-ankle region while the leg region is under maximum compression.