Active human body model for virtual occupant response, step 5

Important results from the project

The purpose of this project was to further refine the active muscle control functions of the SAFER HBM. This is an essential part of the overall objective of a human body model population that can predict occupant kinematics and injury risks, during whole crash sequences with preceding maneuvers or combined events, as well as occupant actions and repositioning. The project has improved the active muscle control capability and the model’s usefulness for vehicle and restraint developments, specifically by incorporating variability of occupants characteristics and sitting postures.

Expected long term effects

An advanced head controller was assessed and implemented, enabling a more humanlike prediction of the head in braking and lane change. Simulation studies and volunteer tests assessed the torso postural control and the effect of reclined seating, forward leaning and repositioning between these positions and upright. An average-sized female version of the SAFER HBM was developed. This is a promising step towards inclusion of physiological differences in occupant population into whole-sequence simulations, whereby improving heterogeneity in occupant safety assessment.

Approach and implementation

Combining academic and industrial researchers, this project has advanced the developments of the SAFER HBM’s active muscle control capability. Several methods were used, such as model development, CAE simulation and optimization series, analyzing volunteer test data and collecting new data. The SAFER HBM, developed through several FFI projects, is a world-leading tool. Its active muscle control capabilities and thereby its capabilities and usefulness for assessment of the diversity of whole-sequence crash situations is one of the model’s unique features.