EUROPEAN COMMISSION DG RTD - biomechanics … Safety Final... · EUROPEAN COMMISSION DG RTD ... Consideration of the outcomes on such topics is necessary to design CRS and cars better,

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EUROPEAN COMMISSION

DG RTD

SEVENTH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME

THEME 7

TRANSPORT - SST

SST.2007.4.1.2: Human physical and behavioural components

GA No. 218740

COVER Coordination of Vehicle and Road Safety Initiatives,

With a focus on Biomechanical coordination

Deliverable Title Final Workshop CASPER / EPOCh

Dissemination level Confidential

Written By Paul Lemmen (Humanetics) /

Cor van der Zweep (UNI)

16 Mar 2012

Checked by Cor van der Zweep (UNI) 19 Mar 2012

Approved by Paul Lemmen (Humanetics) 20 Mar 2012

Issue date 20 March 2012

COVER – Final Workshop Child Safety (CASPER / EPOCh) Confidential

Executive summary

The final workshop on child safety presenting results from CASPER and EPOCh was organised 13 – 15 March 2012 in Berlin. The workshop was joined by almost 90 representatives from governments, restraint suppliers, child restraint suppliers, car manufacturers, test houses, research groups and academia. Stakeholder groups like GRSP Informal Group on Child Restraint Systems, Euro NCAP and ETC were represented. Discussions during the various sessions focussed on transfer of research results and tools developed to the stakeholder groups for implementation in future regulations and test protocols. Some information like accident data is directly usable as input to decision making on items like frontal test pulse. Tools developed in the two projects, like the Q10 dummy and abdominal sensors are either on the roadmaps of the stakeholder groups or identified as high potential. Further testing and evaluation of these tools is planned / ongoing outside the projects to facilitate implementation over the next years. FE (Finite Element) models of children and dummies were presented and discussed. The dummy FE models are being used in design by OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer) but need further development to reach adequate response to loads in a vehicle environment. Child human models have a potential for future design and biomechanics studies. Again here further validation is needed. In relation to these models virtual testing was discussed. Stakeholder groups indicated though that the child / child restraint / vehicle configuration is too complex to allow for approval by simulations. Hence use of these tools will be mainly in the design phase of the systems, not in the evaluation. Field data (misuse and sociological) illustrate the balance between the want to protect children and the incapacity of some parents to do it properly. Consideration of the outcomes on such topics is necessary to design CRS and cars better, make them more compatible and to have high quality information delivered to parents in order that they become fully aware of their responsibility in the protection of the children they are transporting. .


Contents

1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 4

2 General info on the workshop ......................................................................................... 5

3 Workshop minutes .........................................................................................................10

4 Conclusions ...................................................................................................................15

Annex I: Summaries of presentations. ..................................................................................16


1 Introduction

The final workshop on child safety presenting results from CASPER and EPOCh was organised for 13 – 15 March 2012 in Berlin by the COVER Coordination and Support Action (CSA). The workshop was joined by almost 90 representatives from governments, restraint system suppliers, child restraint suppliers, car manufacturers, test houses, research groups and academia. Stakeholder groups like GRSP Informal Group on Child Restraint Systems, Euro NCAP and ETC were represented. This report summarizes the discussions and conclusions of the workshop. It starts with general information including the workshop flyer, participants list and some photos in Chapter 2. Meeting minutes with info from the discussions are provided in Chapter 3. Conclusions from the workshop are given in Chapter 4. All presentations made during the workshop are available from the COVER / CASPER and EPOCh websites. Brief summaries of all presentations are included in Appendix A of the report.


2 General info on the workshop

The workshop was organised in the COVER CSA. During the workshop the results of the CASPER and EPOCh projects were presented. Technical work and the preparation of presentations was done in these projects. Meeting rooms, flyer preparations, catering etc. were arranged via COVER. Figure 1 below shows the workshop flyer announcing the workshop. This flyer was distributed to the COVER dissemination database and via Stakeholders like GRSP Informal Group on Child Safety. In the end 85 participants registered to attend the event. About 20 of these were CASPER or EPOCh partners. A list of participants, including name and organisation, is provided in Table I. The agenda is shown in Figure 2. Some additional pictures of the workshop are shown in Figure 3.

Figure 1 Workshop flyer

COVER – Final Workshop Child Safety (CASPER / EPOCh)

Organisation

4CPS - for Child Passenger Safety

4CPS - for Child Passenger Safety

A. Opel AG

ADAC e. V.

Adam Opel AG

Applus IDIADA

Audi AG

Autoliv Research

Automotive Safety Technologies GmbH

BASt

BMW/ IATmbh

Britax Römer Kindersicherheit GmbH

BSI Consumer Policy Interest Network

CEESAR

CEESAR

CEESAR

CEESAR

CEESAR

Chalmers University of Technology

Chalmers University of Technology

Cors International

CTU in Prague, Faculty of Transportation Sciences

Cybex

CZECH TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY in Prague

Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. - Verbraucherrat

DOREL

DOREL

DOREL

European Commission

European Commission

Euro NCAP

Fiat group Automobiles

GDV

German Insurers Accident Research

Graco

Graco

Humanetics Europe GmbH

Humanetics Europe GmbH

IDIADA

Ifsttar

Final Workshop Child Safety (CASPER / EPOCh)

Table I Participants list

Name

Anna Markowska

Paulina zielinska

Guido Doppler

Andreas Ratzek

Dr. Srinath Vadlamudi

Alejandro Longton

Dr Sebastian Weber

Katarina Bohman

Automotive Safety Technologies GmbH Karsten Waldherr

Britta Schnottale

Matthias Sagerer

Michael Grohspietsch

Rachel Grant

Brigitte Margot le-Saux

Reakka Krishnakumar

Sophie Cuny

Veronique Herve

Clément VAL

Isabelle Stockman

Jikuang Yang

Jan Grutter

CTU in Prague, Faculty of Transportation Sciences Michal Frydryn

Franz Peleska

CZECH TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY in Prague Zuzana Schejbalova

Verbraucherrat Tim Salatzki

Erik Salters

François Renaudin

Yoann Brunetiere

Mr. Grzegorz Domanski.

Peter Broertjes

Richard Schram

Anita Fiorentiono

Thomas Hummel

Axel Malczyk

Andrew Pentecost

Jo James

Paul Lemmen

Kees Waagmeester

Mònica Pla

Philippe beillas

Confidential


IIT Delhi / TU Berlin Sankarasubramanian Hariharan

Internet Child Safety Foundation Mahendranath Busgopaul

Key Safety Systems Amaya Munoz

kiddy GmbH Jan Stefan Würstl

Kiddynet Ltd Marcus UaDonnghaile

Konings & Kappelhoff design agency Wouter Konings

Konings & Kappelhoff design agency Rogier Kappelhoff

LAB PSA Renault Franck Leopold

LAB PSA Renault Mogodin Stéphane

LAB PSA Renault Nicolas Bertholon

LAB PSA Renault Philippe Lesire

LAB PSA Renault Xavier Trosseille

LAB PSA Renault Anne Guillaume

LMU Munich Stefanie Lochner

LMU Munich Wolfram Hell

Lonn Consultant Christer Lonn

Loughborough University Alan Kirk

Mercedes Benz Research and Development Girish Sharma

MUH Marco von der Geest

MOT/RDW Hans Ammerlaan

PDB Christian Gehre

Reboard Kindersitze e.V i.G. Bernadette-Maria Werner

Reboard-Kindersitze e.V. i.G. Sarah Behrendt

Renault Irina Dausse

Stiftung Warentest Henry Goerlitz

Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute Tommy Petterson

TNO Carmen Rodarius

Toyota Motor Europe Nils Lubbe

Toyota Motor Europe Venu Gopal Goru

Toyota Motor Europe Sandy Croatto

Transportation Research Center Inc. Alena Hagedorn

TRL, EPOCh Coordinator Marianne Hynd

TRL Jolyon Carroll

TRW Automotive GmbH Michael Stegmeijer

TU Berlin Alexander Eisenach

TU Berlin Heiko Johannsen

TU Berlin Mathias Stein

Uniresearch Cor van der Zweep

University of strasbourg Caroline Deck

University of strasbourg debasis Sahoo

University of Strasbourg Frank Meyer

University of strasbourg Remy Willinger

UTAC Pierre Castaing

VFSB Gerd Müller

VFSB Ines Lehmann

Volvo Car Corporation Maria Wimmerstedt


Warsaw University of Technology Tomasz Dziewonski

Figure 2 Agenda


Figure 3 Photos of the workshop


3 Workshop minutes

Note: All presentations are available via the COVER / CASPER and EPOCh websites. Summaries of all presentations are provided in Annex I of this document.

Day 1: Tuesday 13 march 2012 Welcome and opening Welcome opening from Prof. Schindler (TU Berlin) and Paul Lemmen (COVER).

Session I: Child Human Body Modelling (Mr. Remy Willinger, CASPER) Remy Willinger introduced the session. Remy showed the need for developing Child Human Body Models (HBM) and an overview of steps needed ranging from accident data, injury mechanisms, geometry characterisation, material characterisation up to ways / data of model validation. The CASPER approach of having different parts of children of different ages generated by different partners was presented. Next detailed presentations on the 1 to 6 Year Old models developed within CASPER were given by various presenters. Questions arising from the presentation related to practical issues like availability of positioning tools which are essential when using the models (not available yet) / level of validation / goals (intended use) of the models (examples provided by Alexander Eisenach like improving biomechanical knowledge on children; improving dummies and their instrumentation). After the presentation of the 3YO child Mr. Pierre Castaing asked for the source of the geometry (IFSTTAR database). Other models like the 6 Month Old were developed using other databases including CANDAT. Models are currently available in LS-Dyna only. Implementation in other codes is intended for the future. Further discussion followed after a presentation from Philippe Beillas summarizing the developments. Christian Gehre (PDB) indicated that the user’s community outside CASPER should be allowed to introduce modifications to the models. He referred to the example of THUMS. Philippe Beillas indicated that this is very difficult to manage and maintain version control. This has not been arranged yet in CASPER.

Session II: Biomechanical aspects (Mr. Paul Lemmen, COVER) This session focussed on the development of injury risk curves for the Q dummies. From the EPOCh project curves developed for the Q10 were presented while from the CASPER project the work related to risk curves for abdominal sensors were shown. In addition EPOCh activities related to the chest response under different loading types (belt versus impactor) were presented. During the discussions it was recommended to have the Q10 threshold values compared with values proposed for the HIII 10YO dummy in the US. However, Jolyon Carroll explained that the values were specific to the anthropometry of the dummy and where pragmatic levels had been set, the expected end use. Regarding the Q10 criteria it was also asked how the 45g level for chest acceleration was defined. Marianne Hynd indicated that it was established by comparing Q10 and P10 dummy responses for various CRS. The level of 45g with the Q10 indicates the same performance as would be expected with a value of 55g and the P10 dummy for the different CRS’s tested. Regarding the thoracic loading studies for the Q10 it was recommended in future studies to extend the study to compare child dummy behaviour with child PMHS data that are currently being generated in the US.

Session III: Abdominal injury assessment (Mr. Heiko Johannsen, CASPER) During this session an overview of injury causation as generated in CASPER was presented, followed by presentations on abdominal sensor work by CASPER and submarining detection by EPOCh.


Missed questions on presentation from Philippe Lesire. Pierre Castaing askedwhen could the APTS sensor be available for regulatory tests. PB indicated that further studies are ongoing at the French national level and if possible via other studies. Christian Gehre asked if it is possible to make sure that the sensor is not moving up (remains stable in place) during an impact test. PB indicated that the sensor could be fixed but would be sensitive to dummy flexion. If the sensor is loose it may slip out, but it is less sensitive to flexion. Currently sensors are fixed. Christian Gehre asked if sensor response in relation to abdominal size (child versus adult) has been studied and balanced. Discussion on abdominal injuries: Introduction by Heiko stating that injuries in the upper abdomen are observed in the field. Can this be related to submarining? Hans Ammerlaan indicated that there might be other reasons for abdominal injuries than submarining, like positioning of the child. A discussion followed where it was indicated that different injury mechanisms could occur resulting in abdominal injuries. Xavier Trosseille indicated that for studies a dummy is needed that can represent submarining. There are some questions on the performance of the Q dummies in this respect. Marianne Hynd indicated that the pitch of the vehicle during braking is not simulated in current sled test procedures. This can contribute to a lack of submarining. Mr. Hans Ammerlaan indicated that for regulatory purposes it would be useful to have a replacement of the clay in the P-Dummies. Hence the sensor could be used as Yes / No indicator for belt penetration. In that case a threshold value should be identified which could be quicker than defining a full and robust injury risk function for the new sensor. Dr. Srinath Vadlamudi asked on the performance of the IFSTTAR sensor in relation to the Q dummies. Mass is added but this can be corrected. Sensors are quite flexible and do not add to bending stiffness.

Day 2: Wednesday 14 March 2012 Session IV: Accident data analysis for children (Mrs. Marianne Hynd, EPOCh) Information from the CASPER accident surveys was presented. This included a fatality study in EU and information on the CASPER accident database. Xavier Trosseille asked why AIS 2+ and AIS 4+ numbers are given in the database but not AIS 3+ levels (regulatory threshold). Alan Kirk indicated that this is yet to be done over the next months. Pierre Castaing asked whether the database could identify the needs for protection for children of different ages (e.g. side versus front per age range). Alan Kirk indicated that the data gives information on this. However, care must be taken with such interpretations as the database is not representative of the full accident population.

Session V: Dummy developments (Mr. Hans Ammerlaan (Ministry of Transport / RDW, NL) Q10 requirements and performance information was provided from the EPOCh side. From the CASPER side research into improvements of the Q Dummies was presented. Missed questions and discussion on this session largely: Michael Stegmeyer (TRW) indicated the need for a sitting pelvis in the Q10 in relation to submarining. Marianne Hynd indicated that the Q10 is developed to test a range of child restraints which have different seat – back angles. Sit – standing pelvis allows for this. Philippe Beillas indicated that in addition to this the submarining behaviour is influenced by the flexion stiffness of the dummy. Patches in pelvis region seem to be a good compromise to prevent belt intrusion into the pelvis-thigh flesh gap without limiting flexion too much. Michael Grohspietsch referred to the belt interaction in the shoulder region and the chest loading. Any updates foreseen in the dummy design in the near future? Kees Waagmeester responded that the dummy design was frozen quite some time ago. Since then the dummy was approved by GRSP and is being introduced in regulations and NCAP. Therefore it is difficult to update the dummies at this stage.


Session VI: Dummy FE model developments (Mr. Heiko Johannsen, CASPER) Modelling activities on the Q1, Q1.5 and in particular the Q6 and generic seats were presented. These activities were done as part of the CASPER project. Pierre Castaing asked if the generic CRS models were checked with the new regulations (no size indication anymore). This was not done. Francois Renaudin asked if the experiences and findings for improvements will be implemented in the other Q dummy models. Answer Paul Lemmen: Yes. Michael Grohspietsch asked how the generic seat model was validated. Answer was that the model is not validated in detail but more in a basic way checking if responses to specific inputs are in line with expectations.

Session VII: Test procedures work (Mr. Pierre Castaing, GRSP IG on Child Safety) Information on the usage and benefits of the Q10 in regulatory test procedures was presented by EPOCh. From the CASPER side an overview of their test procedure activities under WP4 was given. Sebastian Weber: recalibration after exceeding 150% of injury thresholds. This would mean that dummy is to be calibrated after every NPACS type of test, because the test severity is more severe than that of Regulation 44 for which the injury thresholds have been set. Paul Lemmen indicated that this frequency and level was the first estimate from EPOCh and is deliberately conservative. It is not intended to be the final guidance as EPOCh testing has already shown robustness and consistency of the dummy in NPACS testing. Expectation is that the level and frequency is reviewed as experience grows with the dummy. Pierre Castaing asked why Q threshold values were set by comparing with P dummy performance. Marianne Hynd indicated that this is just a first proposal based on a specific research question of establishing direct equivalence where that was possible. More data are to be collected over next years for setting final values. Sebastian Weber: were the costs for vehicle manufacturer included in the cost-benefit study? Eric Salters: not included yet. Sebastian Weber: costs benefit Q10 versus P10? Difficult to indicate. P10 only used in frontal not in side so this is already an advantage. Heiko Johannsen: where is the benefit for the head coming from? AP: Eric to check documentation on this and provide answer to Heiko. Richard Schram: costs for Euro NCAP are indicated far too high. Indicated costs are total costs while only additional costs for using Q10 should be included. Paul Lemmen informed on gap between CASPER indicating relevance of neck injuries for Q1 and Q1.5 and GRSP not including this for the moment other than monitoring. Answer: important but criteria to be developed, Hans Ammerlaan informed if roll-over test info has been considered to check on lap belt position and changing position (risk for abdominal penetration)? This was not considered by CASPER.

Plenary discussion Introductory presentations from Mr. Pierre Castaing (GRSP IG on Child Safety), Mr. Richard Schram (Euro NCAP) and Mr. Francois Renaudin (Dorel, representing CLEPA). These presentations were followed by a discussion between Mr. Pierre Castaing, Mr. Richard Schram, Mr. Francois Renaudin, Mr. Andreas Ratzek (ADAC, ETC), Mr. Philippe Lesire (CASPER Coordinator), Mrs. Marianne Hynd (EPOCh coordinator) and Paul Lemmen. Topics:

- Harmonisation between different stakeholder groups (GRSP, NCAP, ETC): all agreed

that this is of key importance. As representatives like UTAC and ADAC are involved

in various groups the harmonisation will be more or less natural but special attention

will be given to topics like abdominal sensors.

- Overview of relevant tools / research findings for use in future regulations / NCAP

testing


o Abdominal sensors: It was indicated that the abdomen in the Q dummies is

not instrumented and therefore a “black spot” in the dummy. Following

discussions from the abdominal sensing session it was concluded that

something is needed (based on accident data) to monitor belt intrusion into

the abdomen for seats where the child is restrained with the adult belt. For the

time being this can be an on / off sensor. As such the bladder system

developed in Child and CASPER can be used using a threshold pressure

indicating belt penetration. This was confirmed from various members of the

GRSP Informal Group on Child Safety and from the ETC side. NCAP will

follow developments in these groups. Further testing needs are already being

facilitated by Dorel, and probably testing in Far East.

o Injury criteria works: work in CASPER to be completed over the next months

and then forwarded to the GRSP group on Child Safety to define thresholds.

o Frontal pulse: during presentations from the Wednesday sessions information

was provided that indicated that it would be better to stick to the current R44

pulse rather than going to a more severe pulse (information on overlap,

comparison injury levels R44 / NPACS and vehicle tests with Q10). It was also

indicated that NCAP testing with Q1.5 and Q3 starts in 2013. Data could be

used to collect info on injury levels sustained in vehicles. By comparing with

R44 and NPACS data, a decision on pulse severity could be made at a later

point in time.

- Virtual testing: Lengthy discussion on this item. Application will need very well

validated dummy models. For the Q6 dummy extensive work is ongoing with industry

partners. The validation is done on the basis of well defined loading conditions which

are close to real loading in a vehicle environment (hence not only certification type of

loadings). It was indicated that the development of adequate models requires special

skills. In EU only limited people are available that have the experience to develop

good dummy models. Moreover, in relation to child safety, the CRS in which the

dummy is positioned is very difficult to model with complex material behaviour

(including variability over products), lots of complex contacts etc. From the Euro

NCAP side it was indicated that virtual testing is being introduced for pedestrian

safety where the OEM needs to provide data on head impacts (simulation or

experimental data). These will be validated by NCAP via a limited number of tests.

Pedestrian safety is the only example for NCAP. Full scale crash is far too complex to

validate. Another option for virtual testing could be the use of models, like a detailed

head model, that makes use of inputs from experimental tests to calculate specific

injuries. This is kind of (complex) signal processing. It will require availability of

models and need to ensure that the calculated response is independent of computer

platform, model version, etc.

- Human Body Models: main use of these models is foreseen as a complementary tool

for biomechanical research. For this purpose the models do need to have a certain

level of validation though. For the industry HBMs could become attractive once

validated well and complementary tools for usage, like a positioning tool, have

become available. It was indicated that it would be good to allow users to implement

improvements to the models (like THUMBS) to improve quality.

- Transition P to Q series: Pierre Castaing indicated that the Q series will be used in

the new regulation. This is to be introduced in phases. Phase I is close to be finished

and processed by WP29. In the mean time R44 remains in place using P dummies.


When Phase II (started) and III of the new regulation are completed it could be that

R44 is reviewed and updated for use of the Q dummies. Related to Euro NCAP Paul

Lemmen referred to the presentation from Richard Schram where it was indicated

that the Q1.5 and Q3 will be used from 2013 to 2015. After that the new protocols

come into place using Q6 and Q10.

Session VIII: Field observations (Mr. Philippe Lesire, CASPER) During this session the CASPER WP3 activities on misuse and sociological observations were presented. Mr. Pierre Castaing indicated that there is a large portion of severe misuse observed by CASPER, so apparently quite complex to install CRS. Need to have a clear definition of what is misuse and how to bring the message to the parents when interviewed on misuse. Alan Kirk indicated that parents could be informed before the interview on types of misuse and consequences during accidents. Xavier Trosseille asked if misuse is being evaluated using sled tests. Gerd Müller indicated that this was done in Child and Crest. Work in CASPER yet to be done. Francois Renaudin indicated that the current regulatory requirement is 2 Isofix positions in a car but a problem arises with families having three children! Only limited number of cars with 3 Isofix points. Katarina Bohman indicated that Transport Canada test showed that vehicle seat is also influencing submarining behaviour. Tests done with and without Isofix (available from Internet). Hence stiffness of support is really of influence and should therefore be considered in tests (also stiffness of bench foam). Maybe another point is needed for support. Francois Renaudin indicated that the bench foam used in R44 as well as for the new regulation is really soft compared to current vehicle seats. In relation to the questionnaires and their outcome Mr. Pierre Castaing asked if there is a relationship between the stature of the child and the choice of the CRS. Yes, included in CASPER report. It was also asked why differences exist among different countries on positions of CRS allowed in the different countries across Europe. No answer from the CASPER side on this, just observation that it exists. Mrs. Rachel Grand asked is there a method to set the portion of people interviewed via internet and posters against the total EU population. Answer: this is very difficult. Although all generic info on the interviewed parents is available (age, level of education) it is difficult to transfer to generic EU. Mrs. Rachel Grand indicated that for the future it might be useful to approach specific target groups like young unmarried mothers.

Session IX: Applications (Mr. Francois Renaudin, CLEPA / Dorel) During this session the CASPER WP4 testing activities related to misuse and dummy positioning were presented together with an analysis of solutions, information on car technologies and applications infields other than car safety. No questions were raised during this session (also lack of time). A remark was made to previous Aircraft projects with CRS systems by Kees Waagmeester.

Closing sessions: Future works and main conclusions From the CASPER and EPOCh side an overview of open research items was provided. The list includes (see presentation at website): field studies (accident database / naturalistic studies / etc.), injury criteria (e.g injury criteria for side impact, sensor sizing for different size of dummies, head chest area improvements), dummies (see point before on sensing, intermediate size of dummies, %-ile of dummies (is 50 %-ile OK)), dummy models, Human Body Models (validations, improved performance, commercialization structure), other areas like pedestrian and cyclist safety. Also options for organising the future research work were presented like a large scale project versus multiple small scale projects.


4 Conclusions

The CASPER / EPOCh final workshop was organised successfully. During a three day workshop project outcomes were presented and discussed to an audience of 85 participants from industry, government, research groups and academia. Representatives from stakeholder groups like Euro NCAP, GRSP Informal Group on Child Safety and ETC (Child Restraint Consumer testing) were present and actively involved in the discussions. Discussions during the various sessions focussed on transfer of research results and tools developed to the stakeholder groups for implementation in future regulations and test protocols. Some information like accident data is directly usable as input to decision making on items like a frontal test pulse. Tools developed in the two projects, like Q10 dummy and abdominal sensors, are either on the roadmaps of the stakeholder groups or identified as high potential. Further testing and evaluation of these tools is planned / ongoing outside of the projects to facilitate implementation over the next years. FE models of children and dummies were presented and discussed. The dummy FE models are being used in design by OEM’s but need further development to reach adequate response to loads in a vehicle environment. Child human models have a potential for future design and biomechanics studies. Again here further validation is needed. In relation to these models virtual testing was discussed. However, stakeholder groups indicated -- that the child / child restraint / vehicle configuration is too complex to allow for approval by simulations. Hence use of these tools is mainly in the design phase of the systems, not in the evaluation.


Annex I: Summaries of presentations.

Welcome and Opening

Presentation: Introduction into CASPER / EPOCh and COVER projects Presenter: Paul Lemmen The presentation will give a brief introduction into the CASPER, EPOCh and COVER projects. An overview of goals, activities and deliverables is provided for each project including timings and partner information.

Session I: Child Human Modelling Presentation: Introduction to Human Body Modelling Presenter: Remy Willinger This introductory presentation of CASPER WP2 work package on child body modelling will first show how human body modelling can contribute to an in-depth understanding of injury mechanism and injury criteria definition in parallel with dummy reading. A short review on accident analysis and injury statistics will then permit to define the relevant ages and human child bodies to be modelled as well as the model specifications. Finally a step by step presentation will introduce the different CASPER partner’s contribution to the final objective which is the coupled children models development and very first steps towards model based injury criteria. Presentation: 1 YO Human FE Child Model Presenter: Jikuang Yang An FE model of 1 YO child occupant has been developed aiming at study of child injury mechanisms and criteria in car crashes. The initial geometry of the child was based on the image data from LMU in a stl format. The model was constructed in collaboration between CHALMERS and UDS. The head/neck model was developed by UDS and the body models of child thorax, pelvis and extremities by Chalmers. The model was validated by using available test data. The child FE model positioning in a child seat was conducted via rotations of the body segments around the joints. The validity of the child model is to be evaluated via reconstructions of the child occupant accidents in lateral crashes and the other road accidents. Presentation: 3 YO Human FE Child Model Presenter: Alex Eisenach The Presentation will give a brief overview of the development process of the FE Human Body Model for a three year old child. Simulation results of the validation process and full body model reconstruction results will be shown. Three CASPER partners were involved in this work, each of them developing own body regions. UdS has developed a detailed Head & Neck model, TUB a Thorax and Abdomen model and Chalmers the Pelvis and Lower Limbs model. At the end of the project these parts were combined together, the three year old FE Human model is validated for frontal and lateral impact scenarios. Presentation: 6 YO Human FE Child Model Presenter: Frank Meyer 6 years old child body model was developed jointly by UdS (head and neck), and IFSTTAR (thorax and lower leg). An FE model of 6 YO child human body has been developed with special focus to the head and neck as well as abdomen. The initial geometry of the child was based on medical imaging. The model was validated per segment by using available test data. UdS undertook the coupling of the different segments in order to finalise a whole body model. The model positioning in a child seat was conducted via rotations of the body


segments around the joints by IFSTTAR. The validity of the child model is to be evaluated via reconstructions of the child occupant accidents in front and lateral crashes. Finally real world accidents have been simulated with this model by UdS in order to progress towards model based head injury criteria. Presentation: Towards model based child head injury criteria Presenter: Caroline Deck The presentation will give, per age, a status on the development of head injury criteria for a child based on finite element head models. Both domestic and road accident cases extracted from the CASPER database have been reconstructed per age supporting the interest of using finite element head models to develop specific head injury criteria. Indeed, mechanical parameters calculated using head FEM provide a good trend related to specific head injury mechanisms by using both types of accidents (domestic and road) unlike to HIC values. Presentation: TNO 6w and 6m old child human body model Presenter: Carmen Rodarius Within the CASPER project TNO developed 2 multibody baby models: one 6 week and one 6 month old baby model. Both models were developed in MADYMO and are scaled down in general from the existing 50th percentile human occupant model . The geometry of the models is taken from CANDAT, similar to the geometry of the existing Q dummies. Robustness tests in a group 0 CRS model as well as a literature study on material properties and injury limits of head, neck and thorax, as well as suitable validation data has been conducted. In addition to the model development, a methodology for accident reconstruction using full body models was proposed. This methodology combines physical testing with dedicated simulation work to investigate general trends that could have led to the accident at hand. Presentation: HBM outlook and discussion Presenter: Philippe Beillas

A family of child human body finite element models was developed as a collaborative effort within the Casper project.

Prior to a discussion on future modelling activities with the audience, a brief presentation will be given to summarize the achievements and current limitations of the models. Scientific and technical perspectives will be discussed and a proposed model licensing scheme will be presented.

Session II: Biomechanical Aspects Presentation: Development of injury risk curves Presenter: Jolyon Carroll The use of any new crash test dummy requires measurement thresholds to be set. Typically, these thresholds are set in relation to an injury risk function. However, biomechanical data are generally not available to support the direct development of injury risk functions for children. This presentation describes the activities undertaken within EPOCh Task 1.3 to develop injury risk functions for use with the Q10 dummy. Here two approaches were employed: scaling down risk relationships developed for adults or scaling up risk functions already established for use with the smaller Q-dummies. Consideration is also given to test results from the Q10 and an expectation of real world injury occurrence. Presentation: Thoracic loading study Presenter: Jolyon Carroll


The biofidelity performance of the Q10 is to be reported later in this workshop. To accompany the standard thorax biofidelity assessment additional work has been undertaken to evaluate the response of the thorax to belt loading. This presentation provides information on the table-top tests carried out within the EPOCh project and the results obtained with the Q10 dummy. Presentation: CASPER development injury risk curves Presenter: Xavier Trosseille This presentation deals with the injury risk curves developed from CASPER accident reconstructions. The process of construction will be explained, including the review of accident reconstructions, the analysis of injury mechanisms and the statistical process. Finally, the results will be compared to other references.

Session III: Abdominal Injury assessment Presentation: Humanetics overview of abdominal sensors Presenter: Paul Lemmen The presentation will give a brief history of approaches previously proposed for the detection of intrusion of car environment objects in the abdomen and measuring resulting loads. Solutions from the eighties up to now will be presented and issues / implications related to dummy integration addressed. The presentation is meant to contribute to the information provided by CASPER and EPOCh. Presentation: Abdominal injury causation Presenter: Philippe Lesire In depth accident studies shows that for children using the adult seatbelt of the car, with or without the use of a booster system, the abdominal area is subject to sustained injuries of a high level of severity when they are involved in a severe frontal or side impact. This paper offers an overview of the main abdominal injury mechanisms through a careful analysis of the detailed CASPER accident database. This database is not representative of the real-world situation because of severity selection criteria but is focused on accidents in which at least one child using a restraint system is involved as car occupant. The database contains 803 accident cases collected in CASPER and in the previous EU CREST and CHILD projects. This presentation also underlines the differences with the abdominal injuries sustained by adults involved in the same type of severe crashes. Presentation: CASPER Abdominal Sensors Presenter: Philippe Beillas In the P dummies, the abdominal injury risk has been assessed by looking at the deformation of a clay block. Because of limitations of this approach, research activities are ongoing on new approaches for the Q dummies. Several solutions were considered within the Casper European project. The Abdominal Pressure Twin Sensors (APTS) , which are gel filled bladders equipped with pressure cells and implanted inside the dummy abdominal block, were selected for further evaluation and developments. The evaluation included standalone and in-dummy testing. It led to the development of an improved version of the sensors compatible with Q3, Q6 and possibly Q10. The sensor was finally used in full scale testing in order to propose an injury risk curve. Presentation: EPOCh submarining studies Presenter: Marianne Hynd The EPOCh project carried out an investigation looking at the whole body kinematics involved in submarining . This included some research into injury associated with submarining and in particular with older children. This session reports on the literature review into the injury sites and injury mechanisms and how the team approached the analysis into


the whole body kinematics associated with submarining. The presentation will discuss how we looked at the mechanisms during the sled test programme and how this work could be taken further to propose new techniques for assessment and the next steps needed.

Session IV: Accident data analysis for children Presentation: Fatality Study Presenter: Stefanie Lochner (LMU) The CASPER Project focuses on a detailed understanding of child occupant injuries, biomechanics and restraint conditions - necessary for the scientific aims of the project. Not so clear is the bigger picture in terms of child occupant fatalities across Europe, setting the aims of the CASPER project in overall context. This presentation is concerned with numbers and literature on child fatalities in road traffic accidents as car passengers. It is found that there are not many different databases that are sufficiently documented to make a focus on the situation of children killed in road accidents. A three way approach is taken; a literature review of published information, an examination of the EC CARE road accident database for 23 EU countries and analysis of an in depth French fatality study using police files. Presentation: Summary of CASPER accident Database Presenter: Alan Kirk (Loughborough University) In-depth road accident cases involving restrained children are required in the CASPER project in order that reconstructions and modelling of real world events can inform the further biomechanics activities of the project. The methodology behind the collection of such cases is described, illustrated with case examples, and an overview of the data held is given. The database has selection criteria focused upon the scientific aims of the CASPER project and is therefore not representative of the overall child occupant crash population. But it can be interrogated to indicate the body regions that are being seriously injured, by child restraint type and impact type. Also cases with identified misuse give information on types of misuse in the real world and how injury outcome is influenced.

Session V: Dummy Developments Presentation: Summary of Q10 design requirements Presenter: Marianne Hynd Work Package 1 of the EPOCh project produced an overall specification for the development of a new child dummy, to represent older children. This presentation summarises the considerations for the specification of the biomechanical and functional requirements for a new test dummy representing an older child. It will include the considerations for anthropometry, biofidelity, instrumentation and performance. Presentation: Q10 design and Validation Presenter: Kees Waagmeester To date European regulations in the field of child safety have relied on the P-series child dummies as restraint loading devices. Between 1995 and 2005 the EC funded projects CREST and CHILD worked on the development of the Q-series of dummies. The work resulted in Q0, Q1, Q1.5, Q3 and Q6 dummies and related risk curves and injury thresholds. Since then the Q-series has been introduced in consumer rating schedules by ADAC as well as TRL. Moreover, the Q-series is now proposed for use in future regulations replacing R44. In the EU FP7 project EPOCh (Enabling Protection of Older Children) a 10 year old “Q” series dummy was developed. This Q10 dummy completes the Q-series and allows for the evaluation of protection means for adolescents in passenger cars. This paper presents the Q10 hardware realization and performance evaluations. Dummy validation results in the


compliance with requirements are presented covering anthropometry, biofidelity, sensitivity, repeatability, reproducibility and durability. Results for front and side impacts are provided. Presentation: Dummy modification Presenter: Philippe Beillas Q dummies have been used in sled testing and accident reconstructions in the Child and Casper projects. Based on this experience, possible dummy shortcomings have been identified and work has been performed on two aspects: (1) the stiffness of the Q3 lumbar region: Evaluation tests performed have showed that the lumbar region stiffness of the Q3 dummy was similar to the stiffness of the HIII dummy. The vertical compression of the abdominal block was shown to contribute very significantly in case of dummy flexion. (2) the gap between the thigh and the pelvis of the Q3 dummy: in some conditions, the lap belt can penetrate this gap. This is considered to be an unrealistic behaviour that can affect the dummy response. Two designs were developed to prevent this phenomenon. Both designs were shown to be effective in preventing some of the belt penetration in some sled configurations. Presentation: Humanetics - Q dummy research results Presenter: Paul Lemmen Based on a request from the CASPER project an overview will be given of items related to the Q dummies. This includes an overview of a testing program of the Q10 dummy by third parties. The program started in October 2011. Itt will run in Europe until March 2012. Recently OEM’s and research groups from other regions also showed interest in testing with the dummy. An overview of the test program and next steps with the Q10 dummy will be given. Moreover items for the other Q dummies addressed by the CASPER project will be listed.

Session VI: Dummy FE model developments

Presentation: Overview of CASPER dummy models Presenter: Ines Lehmann

One of the aims of the CASPER project was to complete the FE dummy model family. Therefore the missing dummies Q1, Q1.5 and Q6 were developed. The FE models represent the geometry of the last hardware dummy with a high level of detail and have the same measurement capabilities. To get a good correlation between the output from hardware and software models and to ensure robust and valid models dummy component, - full dummy tests were conducted. Currently a consortium of car manufacturers, dummy research and development institutes work together to improve the Q6 model quality. More material, sled and full dummy component tests will enable a high validated model. Meanwhile also the Q10 model is available as a hardware dummy and the development of an FE model is started within the CASPER project. The presentation will show the developed dummy models and current work.

Session VII: Test procedure works

Presentation: Q10 as a tool for regulatory and consumer testing Presenter: Marianne Hynd The Q10 dummy has been assessed for it’s ability to be used as a measurement tool in Regulatory and consumer type testing. Specifically the dummy has been assessed under UNECE Regulation 44 conditions (with comparison made to the P series dummy), and under the conditions in the published NPACS procedures. Proposals have been developed for criteria that could be used with the Q10 dummy under these conditions.


Presentation: Benefits of Q10 in regulatory and consumer testing Presenter: Erik Salters The addition of new procedures and tools brings both benefits and an associated cost to governments, industry and the consumer. A basic, high level assessment of the potential impact that the new dummy and the expanded procedures, may have on restraint design has been carried out. This presentation will focus on the benefits that the new dummy can bring. Presentation: CASPER proposals for test procedures Presenter: Britta Schnottale The presentation provides an overview of the activities of the CASPER project on test procedures. Test procedures for frontal, side and rear impact were reviewed, as well as for roll over. For the side impact CASPER decided to support the validation of the test procedure of the GSRP Informal Working Group on Child Safety. In addition dummy modifications for the implementation (especially for booster seats) in prospective test procedures are analysed and validated.

Session VIII: Field Observations

Presentation: CASPER misuse study Presenter: Gerd Müller This presentation gives an overview of the results of the misuse study, which was conducted on three different places in Europe. Different aspects concerning the transportation situation will be analysed; circumstances, which make misuse more likely will be shown. Presentation: Results of misuse severity study Presenter: Gerd Müller This presentation shows the results of a study, which was conducted during the 9th International Conference “Protection of Children in Cars” (Munich – December 2011). The participants of this conference were invited to assess different types of misuse, which was installed in four different cars. Aim of this study was to get an overview of the opinion of child safety experts concerning the recognition and rating in terms of severity level of different misuse situations. Presentation: Car-to-CRS interface Presenter: Heiko Johannsen The knowledge about the CRS interface of cars is important for the development of CRS, the development of test procedures for CRS and the definition of requirements for cars. The work presented is based on car measurements and fitting tests of various CRS in approx. 350 cars. The measurements comprise position of lower ISOFIX anchorages, lower belt anchorages, floor height etc. Using the experience of the fitting tests, critical properties of cars can be detected. Presentation: Sociological observations Presenter: Reakka KRISHNAKUMAR, Anne GUILLAUME, Anita FIORENTINO The European Community Project CASPER - Child Advanced Safety for European Roads - aims to reduce the number of fatalities on European roads. In addition to studies regarding accidentology and biomechanics, another key element to this aim is to understand the gap between the drivers’ wish of protecting their children and non-adapted behavior (misuse of safety systems). To explore this issue a sociological questionnaire has been developed and deployed in two primary ways, as a traditional paper survey and as an electronic on-line version. This paper will present first of all the methodology used in the sociological study, then the results obtained by the on-line questionnaire and finally the results obtained by the paper survey.


Session IX: Applications

Presentation: Influence of dummy stature / misuse in dynamic tests Presenter: Franck Leopold One of the aims of the European CASPER project was to study child safety during transport by car. Part of this work was to examine the consequences of postures, different from the one of the regulation, and misuses in terms of level of safety in dynamic tests performed with Q3 and Q6 dummies. This presentation shows the results of a test series conducted for this purpose. It confirms that abdomen is globally at higher risk in non-conform situations and that the abdominal sensor is able to predict these behaviours. Presentation: Analysis of solutions: results Presenter: Alejandro LONGTON (IDIADA) A list of proposed solutions was analyzed and evaluated. The assessment was done in terms of strengths and weaknesses for five different categories. The solutions for child restraints were divided in five major groups: Technical, innovations, accessories and add-ons, anti-escape devices and adaptations for disabled children. Additionally, a review of existing campaigns and policies was carried out and some recommendations from the sociological studies were made in order to improve the child safety. Each strength and weakness was scored by the CASPER project experts according to its importance for the solution. All of this should identify trends and propose improvements for the child restraint systems. Presentation: Car technology Presenter: Britta Schnottale For adult occupants an increasing number of safety devices are implemented in cars, e.g. front airbags, side airbags/ curtains, pre-tension devices or force limiters. Some of these safety functions may also have the potential to increase the safety -for children traveling in cars, especially older children on boosters. The problem of different needs for adults and children using a CRS could be covered by occupant detection or standardized car-to-CRS communication. The presentation will in particular take into account passenger airbag deactivation and CPOD. Also integrated CRS could support the benefit of advanced safety devises for children. A CASPER database analysis can give an idea the potential benefit of existing safety devices for children. Presentation: Transfer of knowledge to other modes of travel Presenter: Alejandro LONGTON (IDIADA) There are a few solutions that refer to other modes of travel, such as: trains, coaches, airplanes and buses. These found were analysed and evaluated by the CASPER project experts. The main aim for this was to provide or improve protection for children in other transportation modes. The strengths and weaknesses were assessed so that a general conclusion about the solutions can be made. By the end of the CASPER project and looking to the analysed solutions, there will be a review of what knowledge can be transferred to other child transport media.

Closing session

Presentation: Future needs and research direction Presenter: Marianne Hynd / Philippe Lesire Following the presentations of results of EPOCh and CASPER projects, this presentation aims to introduce a discussion around the items that could be of interest in future research projects dealing with child safety. It is planned that during the discussion following the presentation, the audience can interact on the topics, propose new approaches or ideas if


necessary, in order that the subject is properly covered and that interesting partnerships can be set up, as they will be given the opportunity for continued contact with the project leaders, to develop any further proposals.

Documents

EUROPEAN COMMISSION DG RTD - biomechanics … Safety Final... · EUROPEAN COMMISSION DG RTD ... Consideration of the outcomes on such topics is necessary to design CRS and cars better,