Kennerly H. Digges, Ph.D., P.E.
Research Professor of Engineering,
The
George Washington University
EDUCATION
BS
Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, 1955
MS
Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, 1962
Ph.D.
Mechanical Engineering, Ohio State University, 1971
Post
Doctoral Fellow, Bio-Engineering, Oxford University, 1983
EXPERIENCE
Director
of Biomechanics and Automotive Safety Research, at the FHWA/NHTSA National Crash
Analysis Center, The George Washington University.
Employed as a Research Professor at George Washington since 1992. This position involves teaching graduate courses, and conducting research. The research investigates on-the-road vehicle collisions to determine the performance of safety systems and analyzes crash tests and mass accident data to assess safety performance of vehicles. The research applies computer modeling of human occupants in motor vehicle crashes and develops improved models and safety equipment.
Serves as Research Director for the William Lehman Injury Research Center, University of Miami Medical Center. This CIREN Center investigates motor vehicle crashes and conducts research to identify injury causation and to improve injury recognition.
Retired
after thirty‑three years of federal service.
Virtually all service involved conducting or directing research.
Fourteen years were as a Senior Executive at The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA).
During
the past 6 years, he has authored or contributed to more than 50 technical
papers on auto safety.
RECENT
PUBLICATIONS
Digges, K., Fournier, E, and others, “Research to Reduce the Vulnerability of Fuel Tanks in Crashes from All Directions”, SAE 2004-01-0475, SAE World Congress, March 2004.
Digges, K., Bedewi, P., and others, “Research to Understand Injury Mechanisms in Rollover Crashes”, SAE 2004-01-0330, SAE World Congress, March 2004.
Augenstein, J, Digges, K., and others, “Using CIREN Data to Assess the Performance of the Second Generation Air Bags”, SAE 2004-01-0842, SAE World Congress, March 2004.
Augenstein, J, and
Digges, K. “The Potential Benefits of Automatic Crash Notification to the
Medical Care of Patients”, 2003 VDI Conference, November, 2003.
Digges, K. and Bahouth G., ”Frequency of Injuries in Multiple Impact Crashes”, 47th Annual Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, p. 417-424, September, 2003.
Augenstein, J, Digges, K., Bahouth, G. and others, “Characteristics of Crashes that Increase the Risk of Injury”, 47th Annual Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, p. 561-576, September, 2003
Augenstein, J, and
Digges, K. “Performance of Advanced Air Bags, Based on Data from William
Lehman Injury Research Center and New NASS PSU’s”, 47th Annual
Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine,
p. 99-101, September, 2003.
Digges, K., Fournier, E, and others, “Research To Evaluate Safety Technologies for Vulnerable Fuel Tanks”, Paper 230, Proceedings of the ESV Conference, May, 2003.
Digges, K., Bedewi, P, and Stephenson, R., “Fire Safety
Performance of Vehicles in Crashes”, Paper 422, Proceedings of the ESV
Conference, May, 2003.
Digges, K., and Eigen, A., “Crash Attributes that Influence the Severity of Rollovers”, Paper 231, Proceedings of the ESV Conference, May, 2003.
Augenstein, J, Digges,
K., Steps, J. and others, “Crash Attributes that Influence Aortic
Injuries in Near-Side Crashes”, Paper 232, Proceedings of the ESV
Conference, May, 2003.
Augenstein, J,
Digges, K., Bahouth, G. and others, “Methodology for the Development
and Validation of Injury Predicting Algorithms”, Paper 467, Proceedings of
the ESV Conference, May, 2003.
Bedewi, P., Godrick, D, Digges, K., and Bahouth, G., “An Investigation of Occupant Injury in Rollover: NASS-CDS Analysis Of Injury Severity And Source By Rollover Attributes”, Paper 491, Proceedings of the ESV Conference, May, 2003.
Champion, H., Augenstein, J,
Digges, and others,
“Reducing Highway Deaths and Disabilities with Automatic Wireless Transmission
of Serious Injury Probability Ratings from Vehicles in Crashes to EMS”, Paper
406, Proceedings of the ESV Conference, May, 2003.
Digges,K., and Bahouth, G., “Stiffness and Geometric
Incompatibility in Collisions Between Cars and Light Trucks” SAE 2003
01-0907, March 2003.
Augenstein, J,
Digges, K., Bahouth, G. and others, “Validation of the URGENCY
Algorithm for Near Side Crashes, 46th Annual Proceedings of the Association
for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, p. 305-314, October, 2002.
Digges,K., Eigen. A, and Bahouth, G., “Stiffness and
Geometric Compatibility in Front to Side Crashes” SAE 2002 02-130, March 2002.
Augenstein, J., Digges, K., and others, “Performance of
Depowered Air Bags in Real World Crashes”, SAE
2002 01-0188, March 2002.
Digges, K., and Eigen, A., “Measurement of Vehicle
Compatibility in Front to Side Crashes, Proceedings of the 2001 IRCOBI
Conference, Isle of Man, October, 2001.
Fildes, B., Digges, K., Kess, M., and
Tingvall, C., “Benefits of a 64K Offset Test in
Digges, K., “The URGENCY Algorithm, a Thermometer for
Trauma”, Proceedings of the Annual VDI
Digges, K., and
Dalmotas, D., “Injuries To Restrained Occupants In Far-Side Crashes”,
Paper Number 351, ESV Conference, June 2001.
Digges, K., and Eigen.,
A., “Measurements of Stiffness and Geometric Compatibility In Front-To-Side
Crashes” Paper Number 349, ESV
Conference, June 2001.
Augenstein, J,
Digges, K., and others, “Development and Validation of the Urgency
Algorithm to Predict Compelling Injuries”, Paper Number 350, ESV
Conference, June 2001.
Digges, K., and Eigen.,
A., “Examination of Car to Light truck Compatibility in Frontal Crashes”,
SAE 2001-01-1165, March, 2001.
Augenstein, J, Digges, K., and others, “Injuries to Restrained Occupants in Far-Side Collision”, 44th Annual Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, October, 2000.
Augenstein, J, Digges, K., and others, “Dummy Measurements of Chest Injuries Induced by Two-Point Belt Systems”, 44th Annual Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, October, 2000.
Digges, K., and Eigen,
A., “Load Cell Barrier
Measurements of Geometric Compatibility”, Vehicle Safety 2000, I Mech E Conference Transactions, p.19-29, June 2000.
Augenstein, J, Digges, K., and others, “Injury Patterns in Near-side Collisions”, SP –1518, SAE 2000-01-0634, March 2000.
Digges,
K., Eigen, A., and Harrison, J., “Application
of Load Cell Barrier Data to Assess Vehicle Crash Performance and
Compatibility”, SAE, 1999-01-0720, March, 1999.
Malliaris,
A., and Digges, K., “Crash Exposure and Crashworthiness of Sport Utility
Vehicles”, SAE, 1999-01-0063, March, 1999.
Augenstein,
J, Digges, K., and others, “Injury
Patterns Among Belted Drivers Protected by Air Bags in 30 to 35 mph Crashes”,
SAE, 1999-01-1062, March, 1999.
Champion,
H., Augenstein, A., Cushing, B., Digges, K., Hunt, R., Larkin, R. Malliaris, A.,
Sacco, W., and Siegel, J., “URGENCY for a Safer America”, AirMed,
pp.18-23, March/April, 1999.
Champion,
H., Augenstein, A., Cushing, B., Digges, K., Hunt, R., Larkin, R. Malliaris, A.,
Sacco, W., and Siegel, J., “Reducing Highway Deaths and Disabilities with
Automatic Wireless Transmission of Serious Injury Probability Ratings from Crash
Recorders to Emergency Medical Service Providers” Proceedings
of the International Symposium on Transportation Recorders, National
Transportation Safety Board, pp. 67-84 , May 3-5, 1999.
Bertocci, G., Szobota, S.,
Hobson, D., and Digges, K., “Computer Simulation and Sled Test Validation of a
Powerbase Wheelchair and Occupant Subjected to Frontal Crash Conditions”,
IEEE Transactions on Rehabilation Engineering, Vol7,. No2, pp. 234-244,
June, 1999.
Augenstein,
J, Digges, K., and others,
“Injuries in Near-side Collisions”, 43nd Annual
Proceedings of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine,
p. 139-158, September 1999.
Bedewi,
P, and Digges, K., Investigating Ankle Injury Mechanisms in Offset Frontal
Collisions Utilizing Computer Modeling and Case-Study Data”, Proceedings of
the 43rd Stapp Car Crash Conference, Paper 99SC02, p. 217-242 October
1999.
Digges,
K., Noureddine, A, Eskandarian, A., and Bedewi, N., “Effect of Occupant
Position and Air Bag Inflation Parameters on Driver Injury Levels”, SAE
980637, February, 1998.
Champion,
H., Augenstein, A., Cushing, B., Digges, K., Hunt, R., Larkin, R. Malliaris, A.,
Sacco, W., and Siegel, J., “Automatic Crash Notification”, AirMed,
pp. 36-39, March/April, 1998.
Augenstein,
J., Digges, K, and others, “Injury Patterns Among Air Bag Protected
Occupants”, 16th International ESV Conference, June, 1998.
Compass,
K., Digges, K., and Malliaris, A., “Benefits of the Inflatable Tubular
Structure,” 16th International ESV Conference, June, 1998.
Seyer,
K., Fildes, B., Digges, K., and others, “Development and Benefits of a
Harmonized Side Impact Standard”, 16th International ESV Conference, June,
1998.
Morris,
A., Fildes, B., Digges, K., and others, “Injuries in Primary and Supplementary
Air Bag Systems,” 16th International ESV Conference, June, 1998.
Digges,
K, and Malliaris, A., “Crashworthiness Safety Features in Rollover Crashes”,
SAE982296, September, 1998.
Digges,
K., and Bedewi, P., “The Use of Computer Finite Element Models of Humans and
Crash Dummies for High Acceleration Biomechanics Studies”,
Proceedings of 1998 AGARD Conference on Biomechanics, Dayton, October, 1998.
Digges,
K., “Injury Measurements and Criteria”, Paper and Keynote Address,
Proceedings of 1998 AGARD Conference on Biomechanics, Dayton, October,1998.
Bedewi,
P., Miyamoto, N., Digges, K., and Bedewi, N., “Human Femur Impact and Injury
Analysis Utilizing Finite Element Modeling and Real World Case Study Data”, Proceedings
of Pamcrash Users Conference, Tokyo Japan, November 9-10, 1998.
Motevalli,
V., Digges, K., Noureddine, A., and Eigen, A., “Development of a Seat Belt
Mounted Airbag System”, International
Journal of Crashworthiness, September, 1998.
Augenstein,
A, Digges, K., and others, “Heart Injuries Among Restrained Occupants in
Frontal Crashes”, SAE970392, February 1997.
Digges,
K., Noureddine, A, and Bedewi, N., “ Chest Injury Risks to Drivers for
Alternative Air Bag Inflation Rates”, SAE97129, February, 1997.
Malliaris,
A., Digges, K., and DeBlois, H., “Relationships Between Crash Casualties and
Crash Attributes”, SAE970393, February, 1997.
Werner,
J,. Roberson, S., Ferguson, S., and Digges, K., “Injury Risks in Cars with
Different Air Bag Deployment Rates”,
SAE970491, February, 1997.
Digges,
K. and Malliaris, A., “Benefits
Analysis of the Inflatable Tubular Structure (ITS)”, K. Digges &
Associates, A Report for BMW, August 1997.
Digges,
K., and Bedewi. N., “Automotive Safety Regulations and Associated Design
Procedures in the United States”,
Proceedings of the 1st Arab International Automotive & Feeding Industries
Conference, p. 329-341, November, 1997.
Augenstein,
J., Digges, K., et.al., “Assessment of Mild Brain Injury: A Systematic Trauma
Center Approach”, Chapter 15 in
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY Bioscience and Mechanics, p. 125-137, Mary Ann
Liebert, Inc., 1996.
Werner,
J., Roberson, S., Ferguson, S., Digges, K., "Air Bag Deployment Frequency
and Injury Risks", SAE 960664, February 1996.
Malliaris,
A., DeBlois, J., Digges, K., "Air Bag Field Performance and Injury
Patterns", Paper 960659, Occupant
Protection Technologies for Frontal Impact, Current Needs and Expectations for
the 21st Century, SAE Publication SP-1144, p.73-78, February 1996.
Augenstein,
J., Digges, K., et al, "Injuries Sustained by Air Bag Protected
Drivers", Occupant Protection Technologies for Frontal Impact, Current Needs and
Expectations for the 21st Century, Paper 960660, SAE Publication SP-1144,
p.49-72, February 1996.
Malliaris,
A., DeBlois, J., Digges, K., "Light Vehicle Occupant Ejections - A
Comprehensive Investigation", Accident
Analysis & Prevention, Vol. 28, No. 1, p 1-14, January 1996.
Digges,
K., et al, "Challenges in Injury Measurement Technology for Testing of
Driver Air Bag Systems”, Fifteenth
International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles, Melbourne, Australia, May 1996.
Dalmotas,
D., Digges, K., et al, "Air Bag Deployment Crashes in Canada", Fifteenth
International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles,
Melbourne, Australia, May 1996.
Augenstein,
J., Digges, K., et al, "Injuries Sustained by Drivers in Air Bag
Crashes", Fifteenth International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of
Vehicles, Melbourne, Australia, May 1996.
Fildes,
B., Digges, K., "Side Impact Regulation Benefits for Australia", Fifteenth
International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles,
Melbourne, Australia, May 1996.
Rangarajan,
N., Digges, K., et al, "Design and Evaluation of an Instrumented Abdomen
for the NHTSA Advanced Dummy", Fifteenth
International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles,
Melbourne, Australia, May 1996.
Bertocci,
G., Digges, K., Hobson, D., "Shoulder Belt Anchor Location Influences on
Wheelchair Occupant Crash Protection", Journal
of Rehabilitation Research and Development, Vol. 33 No 3, p. 279-289, July
1996.
Noureddine,
A., Digges, K., and Bedewi, N., “An Evaluation of Deformation Based Chest
Injury Criteria Using a Hybrid III Finite Element Model, International
Journal of Crashworthiness, Vol. 1, No. 2, p. 181-190, 1996.
Fildes,
B., Digges, K., "The Benefits of the European Offset Regulation", 1996
International Conference on the
Biomechanics of Impact, p. 241-248, September 1996.
Ishikawa,
H., Digges, K., Ennis, J., "Vehicle Collision Force in Offset Barrier and
Car to Car Offset Tests", 1996 International
Conference on the Biomechanics of Impact", p. 189-200,
September
Bertocci,
G., Hobson, D., Digges, K., "Development of Transportable Wheelchair Design
Criteria Using Computer Crash Simulation", IEEE
Transactions on Rehabilitation Engineering, Vol. 4, No. 3, p. 1-11,
September 1996.
Digges,
K., et al, Standing Committee to Review the Research Program of the Partnership
for a New Generation of Vehicles, 2nd Report, National Research Council, 1996.
Fildes,
B., Digges, K., et.al. “A New Car Safety Features Rating System", 40th
Annual Proceedings of the Association for
the Advancement of Automotive Medicine, p 141-152, October, 1996.
Ishikawa,
H., Digges, K., Ennis. J., "Impact Force Vector on Offset Frontal
Collision", Transactions of Japanese Society of Automotive Engineers, October,
1996.
Digges,
K, “Air Bag Safety Performance in the United States”, Journal
of the Japan Automotive Safety Research Institute, (In Japanese), Page
19-23, October, 1996.
“Chest Injury Patterns Among Drivers Protected by Air Bags” TOPTEC on Advanced Air Bags, Phoenix, September, 1997.
“The Exposure & Crashworthiness of Utility Vehicles - A
Comparative Evaluation “, TOPTEC
on Sport-Utility Vehicles, Detroit, December, 1997.
“Benefits
of US. European, and Australian Side Impact Standards”, TOPTEC on Side
Impact, Phoenix, May, 1998
Vehicle
Crashworthiness in Rollovers, TOPTEC
on Rollover Crashes, San Diego, January, 1999.
Vehicle
Compatibility, AAAM Course on
Crash Investigation, Miami Fl, April 14, 2000