Development of Three Dimensional Anthropometric Models of Seated and Standing Children

Abstract

A laboratory study was conducted to develop statistical models of posture and body shape for children. Whole- body laser-scan data were obtained from 150 boys and girls ages 4 to 12 in a wide range of postures. Standard anthropometric measures were taken and additional three-dimensional body landmark locations were measured with the children sitting on a vehicle seat with and without a belt-positioning booster. A statistical analysis of the body scan data was conducted to develop models of standing and seated body shapes. The models are parameterized by stature, body weight, and erect sitting height, and torso recline and flexion can be adjusted in the seated model. The seated model outputs were compared with the scanned shapes of the Hybrid-III 6YO and 10YO ATDs. The largest discrepancies were noted in the upper thorax and lap areas. The data and models generated in this project will find a wide range of applications in crash safety, including providing guidance for the development of child dummies, computational models of children, and child restraint systems.