Authors
Multiple factors such as magnitude, direction, and vehicle deceleration rate influence airbag and seat belt pretensioner deployment. Within moderate vehicle speed change ranges, however — known as the "gray zone" — a specific vehicle algorithm may or may not initiate airbag or seat belt pretensioner deployment, depending on crash pulse parameters, occupant sensing, and other factors.
Learn more at our seat belt and airbag safety presentation evaluating occupant kinematics on April 19, 2023, at the SAE International WCX™ World Congress Experience. More details below.
"Evaluation of Occupant Kinematics and Kinetics During Moderate Severity Simulated Frontal Impacts With and Without Frontal Airbag Deployment"
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19 | 2:00 P.M. (edt)
This presentation will share the results of our sled tests study simulating frontal deceleration collisions in the "gray zone" — 19 kph (12 mph) delta-V severity and in a typical deployment severity of 32 kph (20 mph) delta-V — with and without airbag deployment, as well as test results with and without pretensioner deployment with concurring airbag deployment. Further evaluation of occupant kinematics and loading effects during airbag and seat belt pretensioner deployment would be useful as public data on moderate speed range collisions are lacking.
Exponent speaker: Sandra Grijalva, Ph.D., Senior Associate, Biomechanics
Exponent authors: Sarah S. Sharpe, Ph.D., Principal, Biomechanics; Sandra Grijalva, Ph.D., Senior Associate, Biomechanics; Leigh Allin, Ph.D., Senior Associate, Biomechanics; Amy Courtney, Ph.D., CAISS, Senior Manager, Biomechanics; Megan Toney-Bolger, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Managing Engineer, Biomechanics; Anastassia Pokutta-Paskaleva, Ph.D., Senior Associate, Biomechanics; Charles L. Crosby, P.E., Senior Managing Engineer, Vehicle Engineering; Michael Carhart, Ph.D., Principal, Biomechanics
...within a range of moderate changes in vehicle speeds, referred to as the "gray zone," a vehicle-specific algorithm may or may not command deployment depending on crash pulse parameters and occupant sensing, among other items.
Explore the latest mobility industry research and technology developments at the SAE International WCX™ World Congress Experience — from occupant safety to electric vehicle battery technology and more.
Join us
Register now for the 2023 SAE International WCX™ World Congress Experience.
What Can We Help You Solve?
Understanding human movement and loading requires skilled scientific analyses to provide clarity on a range of complex biomechanical implications. Whether analyzing specific incidents or providing data to inform product or program development, Exponent provides breakthrough insights.
Biomechanical Expertise for Product Evaluations
Biomechanical risk evaluation for products ranging from consumer and recreational products to industrial equipment and vehicles.
Biomechanical Injury Investigations & Analysis
Skilled biomechanical analysis to help determine the cause of specific injuries and communicate results in a relevant and clear context.
Human & Surrogate Evaluations
Understand accidents and injuries or improve product interactions with expert surrogate testing.
Biomechanical Testing & Modeling
Uncover the root cause of injuries with robust and advanced biomechanical analysis.
Human Motion Capture, Modeling & Simulation
Understand the kinematics and forces on the human body via human motion models and simulations.
Vehicle Electronics & Electrical Systems
Increase the viability of your ADAS applications with optimal design and function.
Emerging Vehicle Technology Development
Balance safety and performance while advancing innovative transportation technologies.
Component, System, and Vehicle Analysis & Testing
Cutting-edge automotive research, product evaluations, and real-world vehicle testing.
Insights
