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Currently used criteria based on functions of spinal acceleration obtained from crash test dummies are shown to be invalid indicators of chest injuries in blunt frontal impacts. Cadaver impact data are analyzed; and injury is found to be a statistically significant function of chest deflection, chest depth, and cadaver age at death. Based on the resulting regression equations, injury-limiting chest deflections are recommended for various size test dummies. The recommendations apply only to test dummies that have significant thoracic biofidelity for blunt frontal impact. They are valid for environments which include signigicant blunt frontal impact. Their extension to other environments has not been validated.

Sternal and/or spinal acceleration data from eighteen of the unembalmed cadaver, blunt thoracic impact experiments reported by the authors at the Eighteenth Stapp Conference have been analyzed and several related response parameters computed. High acceleration levels, rates of onset, and Gadd Severity Indices were found in sternal acceleration measurements, whereas quite low values were obtained from the spinal regions in the same tests. A Severity Index value of 1000, computed from a sternal acceleration measurement, would be associated with only a mild exposure; whereas for a spinal measurement, the same value would reflect an extremely severe exposure. Correlation matrices which include cadaver characteristics, input and response parameters, and Abbreviated Injury Scale ratings show that none of the sternal acceleration parameters correlate well with AIS rating in the analyzed data base.