Effects of Automated Emergency Braking and Seatbelt Pre-Pretensioning on Occupant Injury Risks in High-Severity Frontal Crashes

In high-severity crashes, occupant protection is challenging. Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) and seatbelt pre-pretensioning (PPT) are means to improve protection; the purpose of this study was quantify their effects on injury risks in full-frontal crashes by Finite Element (FE) simulations. The SAFER Active average male Human Body Model used as an substitute. crash pulses were from separate simulations using a Honda Accord FE model. vehicle interior model comprised seat, instrument panel, three-point pretensioned system with load-limiter 3.1 kN force level, frontal passenger airbag. AEB PPT evaluated simulating 1 g pre-crash braking scenario for 0.5 s, without AEB, three different levels: 0, 300, 600 N. impact speed 80 km/h reduced 69 AEB. When neither activated, predicted risk sustain two or more fractured ribs (NFR2+) 100% both 45- 65-year-old occupants. when particularly 45-year-old occupant. concussion rib fractures reduced; upper neck tension forces, pelvis Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS) lower extremity forces also reduced. Increasing fracture further (to about 48% N force). due resulted (from 71.3% 31%). However, increased slightly forces.