Absorbable energy monitoring scheme: new design protocol to test vehicle structural crashworthiness

Abstract

In vehicle crashworthiness design optimization detailed system evaluation capable of producing reliable results are basically achieved through high-order numerical computational (HNC) models such as the dynamic finite element model, mesh-free model etc. However the application of these models especially during optimization studies is basically challenged by their inherent high demand on computational resources, conditional stability of the solution process, and lack of knowledge of viable parameter range for detailed optimization studies. The absorbable energy monitoring scheme (AEMS) presented in this paper suggests a new design protocol that attempts to overcome such problems in evaluation of vehicle structure for crashworthiness. The implementation of the AEMS involves studying crash performance of vehicle components at various absorbable energy ratios based on a 2DOF lumped-mass-spring (LMS) vehicle impact model. This allows for prompt prediction of useful parameter values in a given design problem. The application of the classical one-dimensional LMS model in vehicle crash analysis is further improved in the present work by developing a critical load matching criterion which allows for quantitative interpretation of the results of the abstract model in a typical vehicle crash design. The adequacy of the proposed AEMS for preliminary vehicle crashworthiness design is demonstrated in this paper, however its extension to full-scale design-optimization problem involving full vehicle model that shows greater structural detail requires more theoretical development.

Enhanced Modeling of Crumple Zone in Vehicle Crash Simulation Using Modified Kamal Model Optimized with Gravitational Search Algorithm

“…Ofochebe et al [6] proposed the use of datadriven regression in mathematical modeling and analysis of car crashes. Their model simulated carto-pole collisions using the Kelvin model with a viscoelastic element, where the combined mass, spring, and damper that represent the vehicle behavior were connected in parallel.…”

Prediction of Vehicle Crashworthiness Parameters Using Piecewise Lumped Parameters and Finite Element Models

“…The stiffness characteristics of the structure was obtained from the result of an FEM. Ofochebe et al [31] developed an absorbable energy monitoring scheme for testing the vehicle structural crashworthiness by calibrating an LPM to an equivalent front-half FEM of a vehicle. Tanlak et al [32] calibrated an LPM from an FEA of a bumper beam subjected to high impact velocity.…”