Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Modeling and simulating a dummy to predict the behavior of lifejackets during product validation tests

Le Gall, Maëlle LU (2023) In TFHF-5000 FHLM01 20231
Solid Mechanics
Department of Construction Sciences
Abstract
Lifejackets, categorized as personal protective equipment, are subject to meticulous regulation. In Europe, the commercialization of a lifejacket necessitates its compliance with various requirements, notably the successful completion of field tests. The objective of this project is to digitally recreate the primary tests employed for product validation. The numerical simulation employs the child dummy designed for individuals weighing less than 30kg and used in child validation product, in addition to three child-sized lifejackets. Field tests were conducted to gather experimental data for assessing the numerical simulation
tool. These tests involved sensors attached to various parts of the dummy’s body that recorded angular position,... (More)
Lifejackets, categorized as personal protective equipment, are subject to meticulous regulation. In Europe, the commercialization of a lifejacket necessitates its compliance with various requirements, notably the successful completion of field tests. The objective of this project is to digitally recreate the primary tests employed for product validation. The numerical simulation employs the child dummy designed for individuals weighing less than 30kg and used in child validation product, in addition to three child-sized lifejackets. Field tests were conducted to gather experimental data for assessing the numerical simulation
tool. These tests involved sensors attached to various parts of the dummy’s body that recorded angular position, angular rate, and acceleration. The numerical simulation is structured in distinct phases. The first part focuses on static conditions, aiming to validate the simulation’s capacity to replicate the relevant forces. The second part is dynamic, divided into a lifejacket fitting segment where the lifejacket is adjusted to the morphology of the dummy, followed by the test replication phase. Throughout this project, three out of four tests were successfully reproduced. Lastly, a comparison was made between the final positions attained through field tests and the angles obtained from numerical simulations. (Less)
Popular Abstract
This project aims to completely revise the traditional approach to lifejacket design. Digitalization of the conception is a way to conduct the same design process that is currently done but digitally. This project becomes even more significant when considering the European regulations governing the commercialization of lifejackets. Meeting these regulatory requirements necessitates rigorous testing, including comprehensive field tests. The overarching objective here is to digitally replicate these primary tests vital for product validation. This digital transformation holds the potential to eliminate the need for producing numerous physical prototypes and conducting experimental tests on those prototypes. Consequently, it promises savings... (More)
This project aims to completely revise the traditional approach to lifejacket design. Digitalization of the conception is a way to conduct the same design process that is currently done but digitally. This project becomes even more significant when considering the European regulations governing the commercialization of lifejackets. Meeting these regulatory requirements necessitates rigorous testing, including comprehensive field tests. The overarching objective here is to digitally replicate these primary tests vital for product validation. This digital transformation holds the potential to eliminate the need for producing numerous physical prototypes and conducting experimental tests on those prototypes. Consequently, it promises savings in terms of time, resources, and financial investment.

The focus of this project is on children's lifejackets and uses scanned versions of the test dummies employed in the conventional testing process.

This project involves field tests where data, such as angles of different body parts, is gathered. The numerical simulation consists of a lifejacket fitting segment where the lifejacket is adjusted to match the morphology of the dummy, followed by the test replication phase. Among the tests described in the regulatory standards, three out of four were replicated. When comparing the numerical outcome and the data from the field tests, the results are highly encouraging, with a maximum error of less than 9° observed in the angles of the head and torso.

This achievement represents a significant step forward in terms of improving the conception of lifejackets, in this case for children. Ultimately, the goal would be to do the same with adults or avatars replicating different morphologies. This method would also help understand what plays a role in the behaviors during product validation tests. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Le Gall, Maëlle LU
supervisor
organization
course
FHLM01 20231
year
type
H3 - Professional qualifications (4 Years - )
subject
keywords
Numerical simulation, Lifejackets, Solid Mechanics, Abaqus
publication/series
TFHF-5000
report number
TFHF-5258
language
English
id
9137289
date added to LUP
2023-10-19 14:20:57
date last changed
2023-10-19 14:20:57
@misc{9137289,
  abstract     = {{Lifejackets, categorized as personal protective equipment, are subject to meticulous regulation. In Europe, the commercialization of a lifejacket necessitates its compliance with various requirements, notably the successful completion of field tests. The objective of this project is to digitally recreate the primary tests employed for product validation. The numerical simulation employs the child dummy designed for individuals weighing less than 30kg and used in child validation product, in addition to three child-sized lifejackets. Field tests were conducted to gather experimental data for assessing the numerical simulation
tool. These tests involved sensors attached to various parts of the dummy’s body that recorded angular position, angular rate, and acceleration. The numerical simulation is structured in distinct phases. The first part focuses on static conditions, aiming to validate the simulation’s capacity to replicate the relevant forces. The second part is dynamic, divided into a lifejacket fitting segment where the lifejacket is adjusted to the morphology of the dummy, followed by the test replication phase. Throughout this project, three out of four tests were successfully reproduced. Lastly, a comparison was made between the final positions attained through field tests and the angles obtained from numerical simulations.}},
  author       = {{Le Gall, Maëlle}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{TFHF-5000}},
  title        = {{Modeling and simulating a dummy to predict the behavior of lifejackets during product validation tests}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}