Crash test dummies – how realistic are currently used dummies?

Abstract

This diploma thesis analyses in how far currently used crash test dummies are realistic. The analysis primarily focuses on the Žilina Dummy and the Biofidelic Dummy, as those two are used by DEKRA for accident reconstructions. Nine crash tests with the Biofidelic Dummy were conducted by DEKRA and AXA Insurance in June 2018 in Wildhaus, Switzerland, while crash tests with the Žilina Dummy have been conducted in earlier years. Four of those crash tests were chosen for further analysis. The analysis of the dummy trajectories highlights that the Žilina Dummy behaves in an unrealistic way, while the Biofidelic Dummy’s trajectory is comparable to those of cadavers. It is also shown that the vehicle damages produced by the Žilina Dummy are too severe, whereas the ones caused by the Biofidelic Dummy are more realistic. The C-ratios obtained with both dummies are good and they only deviate from each other slightly. The analysis of the throw distances further shows that both crash test dummies perform well in this regard. A unique feature of the Biofidelic Dummy is the ability to suffer damages that are comparable to injuries a pedestrian would sustain in a pedestrian-vehicle accident of similar severity. It is shown that the “injuries” of the Biofidelic Dummy are quite realistic and the underlying injury mechanisms are the same as for pedestrians. Three of the five injuries that can be used for reconstruction purposes are well mimicked by the Biofidelic Dummy.