Whole-Sequence Rear-End Impact Simulations with an Active Human Body Model

Paper in proceeding, 2025

Rear-end crashes involve car occupants of varying size, seating position, and pre-crash conditions, all of which could influence the risk of whiplash injury. This study utilised an average male active Human Body Model (HBM) in a whole-sequence rear-end impact scenario. The HBM was positioned in a finite element model including a seat, floor, steering wheel and seat belt, and a scenario consisting of braking followed by a ΔV 16 km/h rear-end impact was simulated. An intervention in the form of 200 N Electrical Reversible Retraction (ERR) was studied, as well as variations of the muscle activation conditions. Braking had a considerable effect on driver head-neck kinematics in the crash phase because it increased the backset, while the simulated ERR intervention mitigated some of the backset increase. Muscle activations generated during the braking influenced intervertebral segment rotations and spine lengthening during the crash phase. This study demonstrated that utilising an active HBM in whole-sequence rear-end impact scenarios allows for investigation of muscle activation effects and pre-crash interventions for a car driver. Further leveraging HBM morphing capabilities could lead the way to assessing the whole population of occupants and scenarios with varying size, shape, and sitting posture, in both driver and passenger occupant positions.