Project Introduction

The Hybrid III is the current standard for representing a 6-year-old neck n safety test crashes for vehicles. However, research demonstrates the absence of complete biofidelity of the Hybrid III, such as excessive stiffness, motivates redesign. Each novel neck design was developed in CAD, rendered in LS-PrePost to obtain a mesh, and simulated under various mechanical tests with FEA in LS-DYNA. The subsequent mechanical behavior profiles were evaluated using literature based corridors for ideal biofidelic performance.

Crash Test Dummy Neck

Developing an improved crash test neck to model a 6-year-old cervical spine

  • Category: Product Design
  • Client: Duke Biomechanics Design
  • Project date: 08/2021 - 12/2021
  • Project Report: View

Contributions & Outcomes

I was involved in all aspects of the design process. I was responsible for CAD design, exploration, and mesh creation in Fusion 360 and LS-PrePost. I also conducted simulations with LS-DYNA. I experimented with various materials, geometries, sub-geometries of parts (diameters, lengths, and orientations) to modify specific aspect sof the mechanical performance of the redesigned neck. Ultimately the neck exhibited ideal extension behavior and an appropriate profile during an NBDL test. However, the biofidelity may be improved with additional joints that activate certain subcomponents with delays to account for the delay in muscle activation.

Technical Skills

  • Biodesign
  • Mechanical Testing
  • Biomechanics
  • CAD
  • LS-DYNA and LS-PrePost
  • FEA Simulation