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Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Mechanical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2019) | Viewed by 79688

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ricardo J. Alves de Sousa

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Guest Editor

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro, Campus Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Interests: green composites; cork; numerical simulation; biomechanics; metal forming
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Mariusz Ptak

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Lukasiewicza 7/9, 50-371 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: CAD; CAE; finite element/multibody simulations; brain modeling; head injury; nonlinear dynamics; pedestrian/cyclist safety; vehicle crashworthiness; injury biomechanics; accident reconstruction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Accidents are a daily occurrence in our lives, in many different activities and scenarios, from sports to traffic, from home to work environments, from accidents to criminal offences. The usual outcome is some kind of injury, which could range from minor, soft injuries to severe, lethal injuries.

Numerical and exprimental methods have been continuously improved in order to provide better analysis of accident scenarios, evaluate their outcomes and provide effective frameworks for their prevention.

In this Special Issue we expect to collect a set of contributions on topics that may include, but are not limited to the studies of human and environmental aspects prior to accidents; the type and severity of accidents; the design and implementation of passive and active protective devices; the biomechanics of impact and resulting injuries; and statistics and decision-making tools.

Papers reporting new and unpliblished advances on any aspect of these topics are welcomed.

Prof. Ricardo Alves de Sousa
Dr. Mariusz Ptak
Guest Editors

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

numerical simulation
biomechanics
composite materials
protective devices
road traffic accidents
sports injuries
crashworthiness
accident analysis
accident prevention

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 163 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental and Numerical Approaches

by Ricardo J. Alves de Sousa and Mariusz Ptak

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(2), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10020508 - 10 Jan 2020

Viewed by 1529

Abstract

Accidents are a daily occurrence in our lives, in many different activities and scenarios, from sports to traffic, from home to work environments, from non-intentional to criminal offences [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

15 pages, 7754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis Regarding the Risk of Injuries of Soldiers Inside a Vehicle during Accidents Caused by Improvised Explosive Devices

by Grzegorz Sławiński, Piotr Malesa and Marek Świerczewski

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(19), 4077; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9194077 - 29 Sep 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4697

Abstract

This article presents the description of the mechanism of selected dysfunctions of the human skeletal system and internal organs. The problem is wide and requires extensive experimental and numerical research. This article presents the outline of the problem regarding the creation of personal injuries of soldiers inside armored vehicles. The explanation of the mechanism of injuries caused as a result of strong effects of pulse forces, resulting from both the consequences of the wave of pressure created during an explosion, as well as high accelerations of the vehicle’s hull, is presented herein. Examples of the results of numerical analyses of the pressure wave impact from an explosion are presented in the Article. LS-Dyna software was used to perform the numerical calculations. The analyses were carried out using the Conwep algorithm implemented in the calculation code. The significance of calculation methods, thanks to which it is possible to recreate a simulation in which there is a risk of injuries of soldiers without posing a threat to their health and life, should be noted here. The main parts of the human body, such as the bottom limb, the pelvic belt, the cervical spine and the abdomen, have been considered. Mechanisms causing typical injuries of soldiers inside vehicles under which explosives are detonated have been analyzed for particular body parts through multiple numerical simulations. The analysis of the process of injury creation has been conducted on the basis of the statistical data regarding the most common injuries of soldiers. The validation process of numerical analyses was carried out using the results of experimental research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches)

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14 pages, 2119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Logistic Regression to Identify Factors Influencing the Post-Incident State of Occupational Injuries in Agribusiness Operations

by Fatemeh Davoudi Kakhki, Steven A. Freeman and Gretchen A. Mosher

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(17), 3449; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9173449 - 21 Aug 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4397

Abstract

Agribusiness industries are among the most hazardous workplaces for non-fatal occupational injuries. The term “post-incident state” is used to describe the health status of an injured person when a non-fatal occupational injury has occurred, in the post-incident period when the worker returns to work, either immediately with zero days away from work (medical state) or after a disability period (disability state). An analysis of nearly 14,000 occupational incidents in agribusiness operations allowed for the classification of the post-incident state as medical or disability (77% and 23% of the cases, respectively). Due to substantial impacts of occupational incidents on labor-market outcomes, identifying factors that influence the severity of such incidents plays a significant role in improving workplace safety, protecting workers, and reducing costs of the post-incident state of an injury. In addition, the average costs of a disability state are significantly higher than those of a medical state. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the contributory factors to such post-incident states with logistic regression using information from workers’ compensation claims recorded between 2008 and 2016 in the Midwest region of the United States. The logistic regression equation was derived to calculate the odds of disability post-incident state. Results indicated that factors influencing the post-incident state included the injured body parts, injury nature, and worker’s age, experience, and occupation, as well as the industry, and were statistically significant predictors of post-incident states. Specific incidents predicting disability outcomes included being caught in/between/under, fall/slip/trip injury, and strain/injury by. The methodology and estimation results provide insightful understanding of the factors influencing medical/disability injuries, in addition to beneficial references for developing effective countermeasures for prevention of occupational incidents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches)

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17 pages, 3380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Navigator Behavior Models for the Evaluation of Collision Avoidance Behavior in the Collision-Prone Navigation Environment

by Jeong-Bin Yim, Deuk-Jin Park and Ik-Hyun Youn

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(15), 3114; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9153114 - 01 Aug 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2703

Abstract

In order to prevent ship collisions, it is important to understand the behavior of navigators that leads to these collisions. The main cause of marine accidents in the Republic of Korea is attributed to navigator error, particularly in collisions. Hence, reducing navigator error is a key issue that needs to be addressed to prevent accidents. However, the lack of objective measure to quantify navigator error remains a challenge. The purpose of this study is to develop an objective identification of a navigator’s behavior in a collision encountering situation. Two behavior models for the success and failure of collision avoidance are developed by collecting participants’ actions, using a ship maneuvering simulator within a given scenario. These maneuvering behavior models are validated in terms of their discrimination powers. The results show that maneuvering behavior is clearly identified in the data processing and model development phases. The proposed behavior models are expected to provide a better understanding of how navigators behave to help reduce collision accidents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches)

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16 pages, 6374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ballistic Head Protection in the Light of Injury Criteria in the Case of the Wz.93 Combat Helmet

by Krzysztof Jamroziak, Marcin Bajkowski, Miroslaw Bocian, Slawomir Polak, Mariusz Magier, Mariusz Kosobudzki and Radoslaw Stepien

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(13), 2702; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9132702 - 02 Jul 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 10185

Abstract

This paper discusses the general conditions relating to ballistic head protection, analyzing the risks that may occur on contemporary battlefields. A thorough literature review has enabled us to present development trends for helmets used in the largest armies in the world. The authors have focused on impacts to the helmet shell, overloading the entire helmet-protected head–neck system. The main objective of this study is to investigate the protective capability of a helmet shell when subjected to projectile–helmet contact, with contact curvature taken as being an indicator of the impact energy concentration. Blunt head trauma was estimated using backface deformation (BFD). The Wz.93 combat helmet was used for testing. Analytically, dependencies were derived to determine the scope of BFD. A five-parameter model of the helmet piercing process was adopted, thus obtaining the optimal BFD range. Verification of theoretical considerations was carried out on a specially developed research stand. In the ballistic tests, dynamic deflection of the helmet’s body was registered using a speed camera. On the impact testing stand, a fragment of the helmet was pierced, producing results in the low impact velocity range. Data have been presented on the appropriate graph in order to compare them with values specified in the relevant standard and existing literature. Our results correlate well with the norm and literature values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches)

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16 pages, 1538 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Overview of Construction Occupational Accidents in Hong Kong: A Recent Trend and Future Perspectives

by Muhammad Shafique and Muhammad Rafiq

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(10), 2069; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9102069 - 20 May 2019

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 10510

Abstract

The construction industry is infamous for a high number of fatalities around the world. The Hong Kong construction industry is also one of the most hazardous industries for worker’s safety compared to all other industries. This paper presents a current trend of occupational injuries among Hong Kong construction workers. Yearly reports of the labour department of Hong Kong were evaluated in this study. A statistical analysis of incidence rates (IRs) and mortality rates (MRs) was performed to evaluate each accident type. Moreover, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to find out the relationship between IRs and MRs of individual accident type. From the analysis, “Slip, trip or fall on the same level” caused the higher number of occupational injuries while “fall of the person from height” caused the higher number of occupational fatalities from 2011 to 2017. Finally, the future perspectives of effective safety management system incorporated with advance technologies in the construction industry are highlighted in this study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches)

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18 pages, 6307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of a Design and Construction Method Based on a Study of User Needs in the Prevention of Accidents Involving Operators of Demolition Robots

by Damian Derlukiewicz

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(7), 1500; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9071500 - 11 Apr 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4984

Abstract

The paper presents a new method of design and construction aimed at developing a system that helps to prevent accidents involving demolition robot operators. The method is based on a study of user needs and was developed in accordance with Design Thinking methodology. This study provides a theoretical review of designing processes and methodologies, including conceptual design, and explores the implementation of the proposed method in the designing process for a Human–Machine Interface (HMI) accident prevention system. An in-depth study of user needs combined with an analysis of the operational system, both of which followed the stages in the proposed method, as well as with experimental tests on a small remote control demolition robot, inspired the development of an operator-controlled HMI system. The theoretical review concerns non-haptic feedback devices, which can be implemented in the demolition robot remote control or in operator safety equipment. Experimental research helped to determine the data necessary to develop an HMI system that continuously uses information from sensors installed on the machine. The paper also addresses issues related to the implementation of the HMI interface in order to avoid failures resulting from robot misuse and to protect the operator from any hazards caused by potential accidents. This paper emphasizes the importance of the connection between man and machine to overcome the lack of direct information flow in the case of mechanical operation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches)

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20 pages, 11954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Method to Assess and Enhance Vulnerable Road User Safety during Impact Loading

by Mariusz Ptak

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(5), 1000; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9051000 - 11 Mar 2019

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5551

Abstract

Every year approximately 1.35 million people die as a consequence of road accidents. Almost 50% of road fatalities are vulnerable road users (VRUs). This research reviews the history of traffic safety for VRUs, presents an interesting insight into the statistics and evaluates the current legislation in Europe for pedestrians, cyclists, children on bicycle-mounted seats and motorcyclists in terms of impact situations and applied criteria. This enabled the author to have a better perspective on how the VRUs’ safety is currently verified. Furthermore, the VRU safety requirements are contrasted with the author’s research, which is mainly focused on VRU’s head biomechanics and kinematics. Finally, a new coherent method is presented, which encompasses the sub-groups of VRUs and proposes some improvements to both the regulations as well as technical countermeasures to mitigate the injuries during an impact. This study highlights the importance of numerical methods, which can serve as a powerful tool to study VRUs’ head injuries and kinematics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches)

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Graphical abstract

26 pages, 3938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Helmet Design Based on the Optimization of Biocomposite Energy-Absorbing Liners under Multi-Impact Loading

by Fábio A. O. Fernandes, Ricardo J. Alves de Sousa, Mariusz Ptak and Gonçalo Migueis

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(4), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9040735 - 20 Feb 2019

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 11445

Abstract

Cellular materials have been used in many applications such as insulation, packaging, and protective gear. Expanded polystyrene has been widely used as energy-absorbing liner in helmets due to its excellent cost-benefit relation. This synthetic material can absorb reasonable amounts of energy via permanent deformation. However, in real-world accidents, helmets may be subjected to multi-impact scenarios. Additionally, oil-derived plastic is presently a major source of societal concern regarding pollution and waste. As a sustainable alternative, cork is a natural cellular material with great crashworthiness properties and it has the remarkable capacity to recover after compression, due to its viscoelastic behavior, which is a desired characteristic in multi-impact applications. Therefore, the main goal is to analyze the applicability of agglomerated cork as padding material in safety helmets. First, a finite element model of a motorcycle helmet available on the market was developed to assess its safety performance and to establish a direct comparison between expanded polystyrene and cork agglomerates as liners. Secondly, a new helmet model with a generic geometry was developed to assess the applicability of agglomerated cork as liner for different types of helmets, based on the head injury risk predictions by the finite element head model, YEt Another Head Model (YEAHM), developed by the authors. Several versions of helmet liners were created by varying its thickness and removing sections of material. In other words, this generic helmet was optimized by carrying out a parametric study, and by comparing its performance under double impacts. The results from these tests indicate that agglomerated cork liners are an excellent alternative to the synthetic ones. Thus, agglomerated cork can be employed in protective gear, improving its overall performance and capacity to withstand multi-impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches)

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9 pages, 1585 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Predictive Capacity of the MADYMO Multibody Human Body Model Applied to Head Kinematics during Rugby Union Tackles

by Gregory J. Tierney and Ciaran Simms

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(4), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9040726 - 19 Feb 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5185

Abstract

Multibody models have not yet been evaluated for reconstructing head kinematics during sports impacts. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to utilise whole-body motion data from twenty upper and mid/lower trunk rugby shoulder tackles recorded in a marker-based 3D motion analysis laboratory to assess the MADYMO human body passive ellipsoid model for head kinematic reconstruction. Head linear and angular velocity during the tackle for the multibody model predictions and 3D motion laboratory measures were recorded for the ball carrier. Examined were the linear and angular velocity, as well as the absolute and percentage differences. For upper trunk tackles, the median percentage error (with quartiles) for the MADYMO predictions were 10% (6% to 45%) and 23% (16% to 39%) for change in head linear and angular velocity, respectively. For mid/lower trunk tackles, the median percentage error (with quartiles) for the MADYMO predictions were 46% (33% to 63%) and 60% (53% to 123%) for change in head linear and angular velocity, respectively. In conclusion, the model is currently unsuitable for reconstruction of head kinematics during individual rugby union tackle cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches)

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13 pages, 658 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mortality of NBA Players: Risk Factors and Comparison with the General US Population

by Jose A. Martínez, Klaus Langohr, Julián Felipo and Martí Casals

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(3), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9030500 - 01 Feb 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 12053

Abstract

Concerns have been raised recently by players’ associations regarding the risk of death among retired players. Using a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed factors associated with the mortality of National Basketball Association (NBA) players and compared their life expectancy with that of the general population. We analyzed a cohort of 3985 players who participated in the NBA from its inception in 1946 to April 2015 (481 active and 3504 former players). We used the data for the 3504 former NBA players, of whom 687 (19.1%) died before 15 April 2015, to study the elapsed time between the end of their NBA careers until death. Cox proportional hazards models were employed in the multivariate survival analysis. After adjusting for age at the end of the NBA career and calendar year, we found that mortality is associated with height and ethnicity. Taller players and African-American players had a higher instantaneous risk of death than shorter players or white players. In addition, the life expectancy of players (regardless of height and ethnicity) has increased since the inception of the NBA. This is one of the first studies using such an extensive cohort of professional basketball players and Cox proportional hazards models. Results confirmed that height is associated with mortality. In addition, ethnicity is also linked to mortality; white players and small players live longer. Our study is useful for devising strategies for health interventions and the proper allocation of resources with respect to the general population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches)

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10 pages, 2177 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Lookout Activity in a Simulated Environment to Investigate Maritime Accidents Caused by Human Error

by Ik-Hyun Youn, Deuk-Jin Park and Jeong-Bin Yim

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9010004 - 20 Dec 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3507

Abstract

Maritime accidents remain a significant concern for the shipping industry, despite recent technological developments. In the Republic of Korea, the leading cause of maritime accidents is navigator error, particularly in collisions and groundings; this cause has led to 79% of maritime accidents, according to a recent assessment. The reduction of navigator error is crucial for accident prevention; however, the lack of objective measures to monitor navigator error remains a challenge. The purpose of this study was to develop an objective classification of navigation behaviors in a simulated environment. The statistical model of classification of lookout activity was developed by collecting participants’ lookout behavior using a Kinect sensor within a given scenario. This classification model was validated in non-scenario experiments. The results showed that seven standard lookout activities during a lookout routine were accurately classified in both the model development and validation phases. The proposed model classification of lookout activity using an optical sensor is expected to provide a better understanding of how navigators behave to help prevent maritime accidents in practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Accident Analysis and Prevention: Experimental & Numerical Approaches)

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