Citation

Muller JT. Proc. Am. Assoc. Automot. Med. Annu. Conf. 1962; 6: 36-43.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1962, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Dynamic systems are assemblies of masses bound together by resilient materials. It usually has a cover or enclosure to give it a specific appearance. One of the characteristics of such a system is its ability to accept deformations without interfering with its principal operational functions and to assume its original shape after the cause of the deformation has been removed.

The network which holds the masses in their proper relative positions may not always be distinctive but to some extent be fused with them. A complete fusion is usually not possible because there might be interference with the particular function that the mass is to perform.

A system which can absorb time dependent deformations is subject to dynamic laws. It possesses modes of vibration and is capable of storing as well as dissipating kinetic energy.

At present little seems to be known about the dynamic behavior of living tissues. Equipment is now available to probe this unknown field and determine the important controlling parameters such as energy dissipation and resilient factors. Whether this will aid in the formulation of safety precautions remains to be seen, but it might help in establishing the limits to which a body can be exposed before serious or fatal injuries occur.