Thorbole ARE SMALL FEMALES MORE VULNERABLE TO LOWER NECK INJURIES WHEN SEATED SUFFICIENTLY AWAY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL IN A FRONTAL CRASH?

The size and shape of occupants dictates their biomechanical response in any frontal crash. Seatbelt is the primary occupant restraint equipment that reduces risk of serious injuries. The biomechanical response of the occupant is further improved in presence of airbag and advance technologies such as load limiter and pretensioner. Sufficient research and tests are available to assess the biomechanical response of a small female driver sitting close to the steering wheel in a frontal crash. However, no or very less data is available for the response of a small female driver sitting sufficiently away from the steering wheel in a frontal crash scenario. This study is more focused on the lower neck biomechanics of a small driver sitting sufficiently away from the steering wheel. A validated MADYMO model of a standard regulatory frontal crash test is used to test the hypothesis using the factorial design. The factors selected are the steering-chest distance, D-ring height adjustment and the pulse type. The study shows that small females are vulnerable to high lower neck flexion moments with increase in the steering-chest distance (SCD).