Abstract
The present study was conducted to determine the dynamic bending strength of the human forearm. A total of 30 human cadaver forearm specimens were tested using a three-point bending method to failure at 3.3 to 7.6 m/s speeds. Results indicated significantly (p < 0.01) greater mean failure moment for males (113 ± 39 Nm) compared to females (66 ± 25 Nm). The mean failure bending moment for all specimens was 94 Nm. The smaller sized occupant with lower bone mineral however, has one-half of this strength (approximately 45 Nm). The failure moment of the human forearm was found to be most highly correlated to bone mineral density and forearm weight. The present investigation offers quantitative information regarding strength of the human forearm useful for design of injury-mitigating devices.
