Virtual Evaluation of Headrest Geometry on C-NCAP Whiplash Injury Outcomes

This paper is aimed to evaluate the protective performance of different headrest geometry parameters (including the height and horizontal distance), based on a validated china new car assessment program (C-NCAP) whiplash sled test simulation model.A virtual mathematical dynamic model (MADYMO) simulation model with the BioRID II dummy was built up and correlated with a sled test to ensure the accuracy and comparability of the virtual model. Based on this baseline model, the headrest geometry parameters including the height and horizontal distance were evaluated.The study indicates that headrest geometry parameters have significant effects on both dummy kinematics and the related injury index, the neck injury criteria (NIC) value could be reduced by 31%, while the upper neck My index could be improved by 15% in this case study.Virtual simulation is efficient to evaluate the headrest design change's effect on dummy kinematics and injury results. By evaluating the NIC index and other neck injury results from the virtual sled simulations, the optimal seat headrest design was proposed. For further validation of the research results, sled test of the optimal case is highly recommended