Correlation of Accident and Laboratory Impacts to Energy-Absorbing Steering Assemblies 690185
Data are presented for 19 frontal-force collisions involving vehicles with collapsible steering columns with collision severity rating from minor to very severe (1–7) and an injury severity index from minor to fatal. Injury results are compared to laboratory experiments in which a force of 1800 lb distributed over the rim and hub was measured for a fairly stiff wheel and collapsible column combination.
When the steering wheel did not deform excessively and the force reached the 1800 lb level as evidenced by column collapse, there were no serious thoracic injuries. Gross deformation of the steering wheel with exposed sharp spoke ends or small diameter hub resulted in serious abdominal and thoracic injuries.
Two cases of hood intrusion are presented, each of which resulted in fatalities.
Citation: Patrick, L. and Van Kirk, D., "Correlation of Accident and Laboratory Impacts to Energy-Absorbing Steering Assemblies," SAE Technical Paper 690185, 1969, https://doi.org/10.4271/690185. Download Citation
Author(s):
L. M. Patrick, D. J. Van Kirk
Affiliated:
Biomechanics Research Center, Wayne State University
Pages: 16
Event:
1969 International Automotive Engineering Congress and Exposition
ISSN:
0148-7191
e-ISSN:
2688-3627
Also in:
100 Years of Vehicle Safety Development-PT-116
Related Topics:
Injuries
Fatal injuries
Wheels
Hoods
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