On the validation of human body models with a driver-in-the-loop simulator

Abstract

For the development of modern integrated safety systems, standard simulation models of anthropometric test devices, often called crash test dummies, are inappropriate for Pre-Crash investigations due to missing activation possibilities, tuned characteristics for one specific accident scenario and high passive stiffness properties. To validate safety concepts getting active prior to the crash new tools like suitable virtual models of human occupants are required. Human Body Models (HBM) provide a higher biofidelity and can be equipped with active muscle elements enabling different muscle activation strategies. To improve the muscle activation strategy and the stiffness properties of active HBMs, validation processes on the basis of low-acceleration experiments are inevitable. In contrast to Post Mortem Human Surrogates only low-severity tests can be performed with real human subjects. This paper presents the workflow of a validation process based on an academic scale Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL) simulator in combination with a synchronized measurement chain consisting of an Optitrack stereo vision and an electromyography detection system.