Rider–handlebar injury in two-wheel frontal collisions

This work analyses blunt abdominal trauma produced by driver–handlebar collision, in low speed two-wheel accidents. A simplified dynamic model is introduced, whose parameters have been estimated on the basis of cadaver tests.This model allows calculating the peak impact force and the abdominal penetration depth; therefore the likelihood of occurrence of serious injuries can be estimated for different masses of contacting bodies and different speeds. Results have been checked against literature data and true-accident reports.Numerical simulations demonstrate that serious injuries (AIS>3) can occur even at low speeds (<20 km/h), therefore the design of protective clothing is recommendable.The model can allow both the analysis of true accident data and the virtual testing of protective equipment in the conceptual design phase.

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► A virtual model for the analysis of lower abdominal injuries has been developed.
► The 3-parameter model was characterised on the basis of five cadaver tests (R2=0.70−0.78).
► Driver–handlebar collision in scooter–car accident has been simulated with this model.
► Literature and true accident data validated the model.
► Even at low speed (<20 km/h) serious adominal injury can occur.