Citation

Håland Y, Nilson G. Proc. Int. Tech. Conf. Enhanced Safety Vehicles 1993; 1993: 1060-1068.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, In public domain, Publisher National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of different design factors on submarining using sled tests and mathematical simulations. The study is focused on the following three factors: (1) the position of the pillar loop (the D-ring); (2) the leg (foot) position; and (3) belt slack. The results of the study show that: (i) occupants are more likely to submarine, if the upper belt anchorage is far behind their shoulder (as in a rear seat or in a front seat in a two-door car); (ii) the closer to the seat the occupant's feet are placed, the more likely submarining is to occur; (iii) belt slack increases the risk of submarining; and (iv) a pretensioner that operates on the buckle, significantly reduces the risk of submarining. It is also shown that the angle between the lap-belt and the pelvis, measured when the belt force has peaked and dropped to 3 kN, can predict the risk of submarining well.