FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine 
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute 

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-23/16

Title and Subtitle: Effect of Pelvic Loading during Anthropomorphic Test Device Storage

Report Date: January 2023

Authors:Hellstrom, Ian T.; Moorcroft, David M.

Abstract:As part of a larger project aimed at gaining a better understanding of factors that affect the quality of test results using Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATDs), the FAA tested the effects of long-term static ATD pelvis loading during storage. Testing simulated two types of ATD pelvis storage methods of the 50th percentile Hybrid III ATD for one year. The objective was to measure any changes to the rubber and foam that cover the metallic pelvis of the ATD. In one storage method, the ATD pelvis had no contact between the foam and rubber shell and an external surface. The second storage method had the pelvis loaded with 125 lbs on the bottom side of the pelvis. This is a similar weight to what an FAA Hybrid III ATD loads the bottom of the pelvis when seated in the upright position. Pelvises were removed from storage every three months to measure the effects of their respective storage methods. The data collected suggest that the way an ATD pelvis is stored significantly changes the height of the foam and rubber; this change occurs quickly (within three months) and is likely permanent. The observed change suggests that a conformed pelvis will likely become nonconformed if stored so that the foam and rubber on the pelvis are loaded.

Key Words: Anthropomorphic Test Devices, ATD, Component Testing, Pelvis, Storage

No. of Pages: 39