Dynamic Response of the Human Head to + Gx Impact
Abstract
Current knowledge of the response of the human head to short-duration acceleration is largely based upon the tests of animals and human cadavers. These data have been used to develop injury-limit curves and, more recently to develop a variety of mathematical models intended to estimate the response of the head to any acceleration- time history. In order to evaluate the existing injury-limit curves and models, a test program was conducted to measure the dynamic response of the head during whole- body impact exposures. Volunteer subjects participated in 79 experimental-level tests performed under nine different impact conditions. A vertical impact tower was used to produce, + Gx acceleration-time profiles with amplitudes up to 45G, velocity changes up to 15.5 ft/sec., and rise times from 1 to 23 msec. The subjects were restrained to a couch instrumented to measure impact forces and acceleration. The impact surface for the head was a 4-inch diameter individually molded fiberglass occipital headrest. The head was restrained to prevent rotation or rebound. Measured head acceleration and headrest load indicated a system with a natural frequency of approximately 100 Hertz. The response of the head was similar to that of the Maximum Strain Criterion Model described by Stalnaker, McElhaney, and Roberts in 1970.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA457586
Entities
People
- James W. Brinkley
- Mark D. Salerno
- Mary A. Orzech
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory