Evaluation of THOR Prototype Lower Abdomen in Sled Tests

Abstract

THOR-NT prototype lower abdomen including Abdominal Pressure Twin Sensors was evaluated in 40 kph sled tests. In baseline tests, the dummy was seated according to UMTRI procedure in the front passenger seat of a mass production car. Three other derived test conditions used either a slouched seat back angle or two different knee bolster thicknesses. A pressure peak of 1 bar was recorded when the lap belt was correctly positioned on the pelvis bones whereas up to 3.7 bars were recorded in slouched seat back for the lap belt on the abdomen. Overall, the prototype could discriminate restraint conditions.