Pedestrian Throw Kinematics in Forward Projection Collisions 2002-01-0019
Pedestrian crash kinematics have been well documented for automobile versus pedestrian collisions. However, there is not significant amount of data concerning impact of pedestrians with a high profile vehicle. A series of pedestrian crash tests using full-sized vans was performed to add to the existing database of forward projection pedestrian collisions and to compare the crash test data to existing forward throw equations. The aim of this study was to examine the trajectory behavior of the pedestrian in a forward projection impact and the effect of different friction-value surfaces when applying a pedestrian model to the data.
In performing the tests, the pedestrian dummy was stabilized using an 18.2 kg tensile strength monofilament wire hanging from a cantilever beam. The impacting vans were instrumented with a triaxial accelerometer triggered at impact with the dummy. Several testing surfaces were used, ranging from dry asphalt to a skidpad with > 1/16th inch depth of water. The trials were videotaped using two high-speed digital camcorders that recorded at 120 Hz and 240 Hz., respectively. Each trial was computer digitized and analyzed using motion analysis software. The results of the digitized analysis were compared to the measured throw distance and velocity profile integrated from the from the accelerometer data of the van. The impact speed versus throw distance was plotted and compared to existing forward projection throw models. Additionally, the trajectory of the dummy was analyzed for the forward projection collisions and compared to existing models and previous wrap trajectory data. Comparison of the pedestrian throw kinematics and vehicle kinematics were compared over the various testing surfaces.
