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The two main motivations for Wayne State University (WSU) and Henry Ford Hospital (HFH) researchers to develop numerical human surrogates are advanced computing technology and a high-speed x-ray imaging device not available just a decade ago. This paper summarizes the capabilities and limitations of detailed component models of the human body, from head to foot, developed at WSU over the last decade (Zhang et al. 2001, Yang et al. 1998, Shah et al. 2001, Iwamoto et al. 2000, Lee et al. 2001 and Beillas et al. 2001). All of these models were validated against global response data obtained from relevant high-speed cadaveric tests. Additionally, some models were also validated against local kinematics of bones or soft tissues obtained using the high-speed x-ray system. All of these models have been scaled to conform to the key dimensions of a 50th percentile male.

The abundant sunshine in subtropical area presents an important energy source. In this paper, various daylighting design strategies were studied comparatively. The experimental investigation indicated significant energy saving results, ranged from 20% to 30%, as compared with the conventional electrical lighting system. Furthermore, the dimmer control system provides uniform indoor illumination level while saving energy, and has great application potential.

Thermal storage air-conditioning system is very efficient in shifting peak cooling demand to off-peak hours. In this paper, a passive strategy is analyzed, which accomplishes load shifting and peak-cut through precooling and air-conditioning rescheduling operation. The simulation result indicated successful load shifting can be achieved with around 20% of peak-cut, at no significant indoor thermal comfort sacrifice. The operation strategy proposed in this paper and the simulation procedure could become a powerful analytical tool for building - energy conservation.

Unembalmed cadavers were exposed to −Gx acceleration while restrained by applying a frontal load to the chest. A pre-deployed non-venting production air cushion mounted on a non-collapsible horizontal steering column provided the distributed load. The sled deceleration pulse was determined from a series of Part 572 dummy runs in which the HIC, chest acceleration and knee loads were at but not in excess of the limits specified in the current FMVSS 208. A total of six cadavers have been tested. In three of the runs, there were severe neck injuries of the type which have not been observed previously in belted tests. They include complete severance of the cord, complete avulsion of the odontoid process, atlanto-occipital separation with ring fracture. This study does not claim to establish the injury potential of air bags but uses the air bag to provide a uniform restraining load to the chest to investigate the mechanism of neck injuries.