Abstract
This paper describes development of a lumped mass-spring model of lower leg subsystem test of the European Enhanced Vehicle-safety Committee WG17 (here after referred as to the EEVC WG17) test method in order to provide relationship among the stiffness of the vehicle under the test, knee-bending angle and upper tibia acceleration of the lower leg subsystem impactor. The lower leg subsystem test and protection criteria are intended to protect against knee joint injuries and lower leg bone fracture. The knee-bending angle of the lower leg subsystem impactor was shown as a function of the stiffness of the vehicle under the test. The lumped mass-spring model results indicated that upper bumper stiffness forms a significant component of the knee-bending angle and lower bumper stiffness forms a significant component of upper tibia acceleration similar to upper bumper stiffness.
