Taking SAFER HBM to the global arena; focusing the cervical and thoracic spine

Important results from the project

An updated human model, SAFER HBM v11.1, has been completed with updated leg soft tissues, femora, spine and shoulder, making it technically ready for global availability. This model is a tool that enables the development of protection systems in future vehicles with an increasing degree of automation. A follow-up project to further develop injury prediction for the neck has been created. The spinal curvature of passengers in an upright and reclined sitting position has been quantified.

Expected long term effects

The expanded capability of the SAFER HBM enables the project partners to develop cars and products with world leading safety systems. By participating in the ongoing certification of human body models for Euro NCAP the project has contributed to advancing the use of HBMs for improved vehicle safety overall. Improved injury prediction in the neck of occupants enables development of vehicles with an increased degree of automation.

Approach and implementation

The project was carried out in collaboration between the parties, with continuous evaluation and feedback of the updated human body model and other studies carried out within the project. Chalmers created infrastructure for development and version management of the model, and Volvo and Autoliv then worked together with them in this. Volunteer testing to measure the spinal curvature of reclined occupants was carried out and finalized in the project, but took longer time than planned.