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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.

Our tests with fresh human cadavers were continued (cf. proceedings, 18th Stapp Car Crash Conference). Presented herewith are the results of 103 tests evaluated so far. While the severity of injuries showed an increase with advancing age, it is not obviously dependent upon weight or sex. Under the conditions chosen by us, the 12 to 30-year age group reached the thorax tolerance level at an impact velocity of still below 50 km/h with a stopping distance of 40 cm, the 30 to 50-year age group of below 40 km/h, and the age group beyond 50 years below 30 km/h. A comparison of our results with volunteer tests (Ewing et al., 29) and with evaluated real accidents (Patrick et al., 22) as well as with similar cadaver tests (Tarriere et al., 19) is made. When introducing safety testing regulations for vehicles in the light of dummy tests, the broad spectrum of the respective age groups has to be considered. The thorax injuries may be slightly mitigated due to a lessening of the surface pressure.