A Study on Occupant Neck Injury in Rear End Collisions

Abstract

The stiffness of the automobile seat back mostly affects neck injuries in rear end collisions. The effects of the stiffness have been experimentally investigated. A sled simulator was utilized with varying speeds and fixed stiffness. Another simulation was performed with a fixed speed and varying stiffness. A stopper was installed behind the seat back to keep a certain stiffness. The neck injuries for various cases are calculated equations from industrial standards. Using the results of the test, the effect of seat back stiffness in minimizing occupant neck injury in rear end collisions is discussed.