Virtual Vehicle-safety Assessment: Open Source Human Body Models addressing gender diversity (ViVA I)

Research Project, 2013 – 2016

The ViVA project aim at making a contribution to increasing gender equality in society and improved safety. The results aim at stimulate the production of innovative seats designs with enhanced whiplash injury protection. The objectives of the ViVA project are to: Create an open source virtual Human Body Model (HBM) platform of a prototype of an average female. Propose a virtual test method protocol for Virtual Testing suitable for different seated postures and genders will be developed. Demonstrate the virtual test method and HBM for females in rear impacts tests. The prototype of an Open Source digital Human Body Model for use in crash testing will put Sweden at the cutting edge in the area of Virtual Testing and model development. This position will further enhance the crash testing arena by providing access to a model of an average female, which is not yet easily available. Present knowledge of injury prevention and consumer testing will be advanced by the introduction of the Virtual Testing protocol to be developed in the ViVA project, which will also enhance the quality of the identification process of the best performing vehicle safety systems. An open source virtual Human Body Model platform of a prototype of an average female will be launched. In addition, techniques required for a protocol for Virtual Testing suitable for different seated postures and genders will be developed. Virtual Testing will be applied to a test case in consumer tests to ensure that impact on vehicle safety is achieved. The project will benefit from external guidance and advice during the duration of the project through an Advisory Group consisting of representatives of stakeholders from industry, testing organisations, and other experts.