Lawrence Patrick
American academic
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Lawrence Patrick (1920 – April 30, 2006[1]) was an American scientist and researcher who is considered one of the fathers of the crash test dummy. Between 1960 and 1975, while a biomechanics professor at Detroit's Wayne State University, Patrick described his work by saying "I was a human crash-test dummy".[2] Patrick allowed himself to be subject to over 400 rocket sled rides,[3] crushing blows to the head and body, and other forms of physical abuse in an effort to develop a body of data on how the human body responded in a vehicle accident. One of his students, Harold Mertz, went on to develop Hybrid III, the current worldwide standard crash test dummy. Lawrence also subjected himself to a 50 pound pendulum to the breast plate to test the effects of a steering column on a human. Lawrence died of Parkinson's disease on April 30, 2006, at the age of 85.[4]
Lawrence Patrick | |
|---|---|
Lawrence Patrick | |
| Born | 1920 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | April 30, 2006 (aged 85–86) |
| Alma mater | Wayne State University |
| Occupations | Researcher, Educator |
| Known for | Early pioneer in impact biomechanics, Automotive safety design improvements, Invention of the air bag |
| Spouse | Bess Patrick |
