WG2 Biomechanics, dummy development and test methods

The Working group 2 is led by INRETS and co-led by LMU. Its work is structured on the basis of the following task forces:

TF1 Dummy development: identify harmonisation and synergy possibilities for the development of dummies between European projects for the exchange of Biomechanical data (injury criteria, test methods), for the exchange of new development of instrumentation and others, development of synergies for the standardisation and international harmonisation (worldwide).

TF2 Biomechanical database: Updated definition of the structure of the experiment database on biomechanical experiment developed in HUMOS2/EVPSN (co-ordinated by the leader of work package 3 on databases). Collect the maximum of existing data to capitalise the pre-existing knowledge in biomechanics of impact. Harmonisation and standardisation of the data format for the exchange of data by multimedia supports, Guidelines for test description and test methods to facilitate the use of the data by the users.

TF3 Test methods: Standardisation and harmonisation of test procedures, evaluation and sharing of evaluation tools, data analysis tools. Elaboration of a “cook book” for experiment in Biomechanics and passive safety. Database of the test facilities and research team available in Europe.

TF4 Biomechanical research programmes : Establishment of close links with Accidentology (through synergies with IP Safety-Net and others) to identify clearly the population (women, children, elderly, etc.) for body segment (Neck/Head, Abdomen, etc.) which needs new biomechanical knowledge to improve the safety.

For each of the defined task forces a number of general integrative activities are performed:

• Investigating ways for research infrastructure sharing
  - Access to research infrastructures (sled, crash test facilities, hard test devices)
  - Sharing common tools and platforms.
  - Joint use of research infrastructures and adaptation of the existing facilities with a view to their shared use.
  - Transfer of mobile equipment (specific instrumentation, dummy prototypes for example) from one partner to another for certain period of times.
• A main activity is to identify harmonisation and synergy opportunities, e.g. between European dummy developments and global possibilities for dummy and test method harmonisation with special emphases to the US and Japanese regulations. The sharing of technologies, tools and research needs is considered an important aspect in the process of European standardisation and harmonisation. The design and implementation of the THOR dummy is a practical demonstration of these beliefs (FID Project). Another example is the harmonisation and standardisation of the experiment data format, test protocol and test methods description for the data and results exchange must be pursued with the joint action of the biomechanical expert group and ISO Working Group.
• Integrated management of knowledge and Intellectual Property.
• Reinforcement of electronic information and communication networks to support interactive working between the teams involved.
• Organisation of a biannual conference on Human Biomechanical Testing, in order to facilitate the exchange of new tests methods, new development in biomechanical tests, new data, etc.

For more information on this working group, please contact its leader:Mr Philippe Vezin (INRETS).