An Analytical Study of System Variables for Meeting FMVSS 201 Head Impact Requirements

Abstract A hypothetical acceleration pulse, asymmetric haversine wave, is used to analytically model acceleration pulses of FMVSS 201 head impact tests. This model leads to general relations among a few key variables in head impact tests including Head Injury Criterion (HIC), initial impact velocity, and stopping distance. As a result of this analysis, a preferred design range of stopping distance is identified and HIC sensitivity to impact velocity is revealed. Parameters that can assess energy absorbing efficiency of a head impact countermeasure are defined and discussed. The model may be used to guide the design of vehicle interior trim for meeting FMVSS 201 head impact requirements and has been validated using test and finite element results.