Human body modelling techniques for use with dynamic simulations

This paper describes the initial work from a programme of research investigating the use of multibody simulations of real world pedestrian impacts. This work is underway and aims to extend simulations beyond the procedures developed to meet proposed legislation. An initial literature study is provided reviewing current test procedures and mathematical analysis techniques used to model and simulate the dynamic motion of the human body. Previous work using finite element and multibody systems analysis methods for both pedestrian and occupant impact studies has been reviewed. The paper continues to describe how programs such as MADYMO are able to combine the multibody and finite element approach and are now moving forward from well established modelling techniques for crash dummies to full scale representations of the pedestrian. The paper concludes by discussing an analysis simulation methodology based on MADYMO that extends the pedestrian impact event beyond current test procedures. The work proposed is intended to lead to models of a moving pedestrian combined with the dynamics of a vehicle model for realistic 'real world' type simulations.