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This paper describes experiments involving airbag systems. Because there is the least amount of data on the tolerance of children to impact, the out-of-position child was used in the experiments. After careful consideration it was decided that a primate of approximately the same weight as a child be used, which would provide the most realistic evaluation of potential injuries. The animal chosen for the experimental program was the baboon. Five distinct positions were chosen and this paper describes in detail the experimental physiological conditions and results.

This paper discusses a program wherein studies were made of forward force simulations of crashes and destructive barrier crashes using a shaped steering assembly airbag. It was shown that the airbag offered the best protection when compared with the performance of lap belts and lap and shoulder belt combinations. This shaped airbag deploys between the abdomen and the steering wheel and between the head and the steering wheel, thus providing protection of these two important areas.

A mathematical model of an airbag restraint system for automobile drivers, including the simulation of the simultaneous collapse of the steering column, has been developed. The model is designed to work in conjunction with a three-dimensional occupant model. It is capable of assessing the relative effects of airbag size, pressure, deployment rate, venting area, contact force, steering column collapse force, and column collapse distance. The results of the model are compared with experimental runs in which anthropometric dummies were used as test subjects. Good correlation was obtained for torso kinematics. The model can be conveniently used for a parametric study to aid the design of airbag restraint systems.