Toyota, Global Institute joint research project using THUMS

THUMS allows for computer simulation and analysis of actual conditions during a crash and of the mechanisms of injury occurrence.
Toyota Motor Corporation and the Global Institute for Motor Sport Safety have launched a four-year research project using Toyota’s Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) with the aim of enhancing safety in motorsports. The Global Institute is the safety research partner of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of world motorsports.
The joint research project covers studies on collisions involving not only closed-circuit race cars, but also rally cars, and will possibly include review of seat structures and seatbelt positioning. Based on the results, the Global Institute plans to consider measures that could lead to updating motorsports regulations and other actions to enhance the safety of motorsports vehicles.
Although crash dummies are commonly used in vehicle collision tests, they do not allow for easy and detailed analysis of how collisions impact the brain, internal organs and certain other parts of the body. As a result, Toyota has been working with Toyota Central R&D Labs, Inc. since 2000 to develop THUMS, which allows for computer simulation and analysis of actual conditions during a crash and of the mechanisms of injury occurrence, including that of injuries to internal organs and other parts of the body.
Takayuki Yoshitsugu, chief representative, MENA office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “Since its founding, Toyota has dedicated itself to producing vehicles that are safe and provide complete peace of mind. We are pleased to partner with the Global Institute to continue delivering on this vision and surpass the expectations of our valued customers who associate the name Toyota with a brand that is committed to leveraging technology and industry innovations to provide customers with safer and more secure driving experience.”
Yoshitsugu added: “Despite the positive crash test results, crash dummies are known to be sturdy, which makes it difficult to determine how internal organs would be affected in the event of a crash. This is where THUMS comes in; it allows us to analyze possible injuries to passengers and pedestrians so we can use the data gathered to help develop the seat, side and rear airbags in order to lessen the impact of low-speed collisions.”
Last year, Toyota enhanced its THUMS virtual crash dummy software with a new range of models. The company added three new models — representing children aged ten, six, and three — to Version 4 of the software.

Source: Arab News