An ATD neck model based on multi-body dynamics subjected to rear impact

The main objective of this study was to develop a computer neck model to analyze the dynamic responses of the occupant head-neck system due to vehicle rear impact. This research employs multi-body dynamics as a basis of simulation to develop a new neck model. The initiating model was based on an anthropomorphic test device (ATD), which is normally used as an occupant in car crash test. However, the current conventional ATD neck system did not perform properly in the whiplash motion which is commonly seen in rear impact. Therefore, there is a need to modify the system with more humanlike features such as muscular/ligamentous effect and proper intervertebral joints. Accordingly, modifications for the 50th percentile male ATD head-neck system based on available biomechanical data were proposed, modeled, and simulated in this study. The results showed a good agreement with volunteer corridors based on the cumulative variance ratio (CVR) evaluation. The neck model in the study is also capable of demonstrating the "S-shape" phenomenon, indicating the new neck model has humanlike reaction during rear impact.