Rollover testing with volunteer live human subject

Abstract

Two rollover tests were conducted with a volunteer human subject. It is believed that these are the first dynamic rollover tests ever conducted with a live human subject. These results were compared to an actual real-world rollover crash during which an occupant of approximately the same size and in the same model vehicle sustained severe cervical injuries. The test vehicle was configured with a roll cage and seat-mounted seat belt incorporating a locking latch plate at the driver's position. The volunteer test subject/co-author proposed and led the conduct of both tests. The rollover tests were initiated by tipping the vehicle down an embankment resulting in two and three vehicle rolls. Roof damage was limited by the roll cage, and the subject was well restrained by the seat belt. The lap belt severely limited the vertical displacement of the body, and the subject did not sustain any significant injuries.

Keywords:

• rollover
• crash
• human subject
• roof crush
• seat belt
• restraint
• survivability

Acknowledgements

Our special thanks to James O. McDonald for his vital support in the fabrication of test prototypes and the conduct of the testing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.