Evaluation of GHBMC, THUMS and SAFER Human Body Models in Frontal Impacts in Reclined Postures

Paper in proceeding, 2022

Virtual tools, such as human body models (HBMs), can support advances in vehicle development and restraint system design. The goal of this study is to evaluate selected HBMs against data from recent reclined post-mortem human subject (PMHS) tests. Three HBMs - the Global Human Body Modelling Consortium detailed model v.6.0, Total Human Model for Safety v.6.0, and SAFER HBM v.10 - were used in this study. The models were positioned with respect to the average PMHS position and utlised a previously developed environment model. The HBMs were evaluated comparing belt engagement, boundary forces and displacements (in the seat and belt), and the trajectories of the head, T1, T8, T11, L1, L3, and pelvis. The HBMs' belt engagement, boundary forces and displacements, and X-direction (fore-aft) trajectories were all generally consistent with the PMHS. All HBMs predicted more downward motion of the head and T1 compared to the PMHS. The HBMs also showed rearward pelvis pitch at peak lap belt force, opposite to the PMHS. Some of these differences were associated with differences in flexion of the lumbar spine. This is the first study to provide an in-depth evaluation of multiple reclined HBMs in frontal crashes compared to reclined PMHS.