Mechanism analysis of pedestrian knee-bending angle by SUV type vehicles using human FE model

Abstract

This paper describes the reconstructions of pedestrian accidents colliding with the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) type vehicle. The finite element human model of American male 50 percentile is used to evaluate the kinematics and injuries of the lower leg. The finite element models of the frontal structures made of urethane blocks that have equivalent stiffness to the frontal structure of the SUV finite element model were established to conduct parametric studies of the frontal structure stiffness. The parametric studies show optimum stiffness distributions of the urethane blocks to help reduction of the knee-bending angle and injuries.

Key words:

• Pedestrian protection
• knee joint
• ligament
• human FE model