UMTRI Project

Upgrading Anthropometry of Child ATDs

Sponsor: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Investigator: Matthew Reed
02/01/2005 - 07/01/2007

The use of Hybrid III anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) to assess child booster performance raises questions as to how well these ATDs can evaluate vehicle belt and booster performance. A preliminary analysis comparing child ATD pelvis geometry to the pelvis geometry of real children indicates that a child’s pelvis is lower and more reclined that the ATD pelvis. Subsequent work analyzed the geometry of the pediatric thorax and shoulder. This research program will provide quantitative recommendations for improvements to the ATDs and suggest improved ATD installation procedures.