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Currently, airbag module development methodology and prototyping heavily relies on the application of single-use pyro-technic, hybrid, or stored gas inflators. A new development test methodology using a Cold Gas System (CGS) is proposed, in which the inflator is replaced by a re-chargeable, high-pressurized, gas compartment that can be rapidly opened using an electronic valve. This new methodology overcomes the problem of variability in inflator output. In a first approach, the methodology is researched by using a single gas in the compartment, i.e. 100% Helium. At first, an inflator baseline tank test pressure-time curve is established. This can be obtained from any “off the shelf” inflator that is on the market.

This work describes the development of a three-dimensional finite element model of the human arm. Mechanical properties of the arm were determined experimentally for use in the model development. The arm model is capable of predicting kinematics and potential injury when interacting with a deploying airbag. The arm model can be easily integrated with available finite element and rigid body dummy models. This model includes the primary components of a human arm. It includes all the bones of hand, ulna, radius and humerus. Anthropometry, moment of inertia, joint torque and tissue compressive properties were determined experimentally from human cadaveric subjects. To calibrate the model, both free-swinging motion and pendulum impact tests were used. The global responses of the pendulum force, pendulum velocity and the angle of rotation time histories of the arm were obtained and compared reasonably well with the experimental data.