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The Head and Neck Support device (HANS) was developed to reduce the potentially injurious motions to the head and neck during severe frontal and angled-frontal impacts. The effectiveness of the HANS device has been rigorously proven by extensive HyGe sled test work by Daimler-Chrysler (Germany) and reported in two SAE papers (1,2). The aim of this work was to develop appropriate test methodologies and criteria for a new FIA Test Specification to support the integration of the HANS system into the FIA Formula One and Formula 3000 Championships. The new test specification includes requirements for both the HANS system and the HANS to helmet interface. It was also necessary to formulate an objective geometrical definition for the HANS system. The laboratory test configuration was developed to simulate the loading conditions during a dynamic sled test. TRL conducted both proof and destructive tests, in order to establish appropriate criteria.

It has been reported that lower extremity injuries represent a measurable portion of all moderate-to-severe automobile crash- related injuries. Thus, a simple tool to assist with the design of leg and foot injury countermeasures is desirable. The objective of this study is to develop a mathematical model which can predict load propagation and kinematics of the foot and leg in frontal automotive impacts. A multi-body model developed at the University of Virginia and validated for blunt impact to the whole foot has been used as basis for the current work. This model includes representations of the tibia, fibula, talus, hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot bones. Additionally, the model provides a means for tensioning the Achilles tendon. In the current study, the simulations conducted correspond to tests performed by the Transport Research Laboratory and the University of Nottingham on knee-amputated cadaver specimens.

In support of the European Enhanced Vehicle-safety Committee (EEVC) research program and through it, the International Harmonization of Research Activities work on compatibility, TRL is investigating the compatibility of cars in frontal and side impact scenarios. Initial research has focused on identifying the major factors which influence compatibility and determining the extent to which they might influence injury outcome. Experimental crash test research is backed with Finite Element simulation modeling. For frontal impacts, full-scale testing has been used to examine the influence of vehicle mass, stiffness, structural interaction and geometry. The modeling work has studied how non-contact, deceleration-related injuries might be minimized by optimizing the deceleration pulse.