Method for investigation of child occupant impact dynamics based on real-world accident

The objective of the study is to propose a method to investigate child occupant impact dynamics based on realworld accident reconstruction. A real-world child occupant accident was reconstructed by using PC-Crash and finite element (FE) modeling software, with the aim of comparing simulation output with injuries sustained. Firstly, PC-Crash reconstruction was carried out to calculate vehicle impact conditions of vehicle impact velocity, vehicle position and vehicle orientation. The dynamics responses at the head, neck, thorax and pelvis of the child occupant were simulated. Hybird III 6-year-old FE model was employed in FE simulation. The results of two vehicles' positions agreed well with that in real-world accident case, the dynamics responses at the head, neck and thorax of the child occupant well indicate the injury status of the child occupant. The simulation results showed that booster seat headrest and intrusive door mainly causes head injuries and seat belt mainly causes abdominal bruise of children. This study provides a useful method to investigate the impact dynamic and injury risk of child occupantre.