Occupant Modeling for Injury Risk Computation in Vehicle Fleet Frontal Crash Simulations

Abstract

Occupant model environments (MADYMO) are developed for four surrogate vehicles for injury risk computation in frontal crash fleet simulations: a small passenger car, a midsize passenger car, a midsize sport utility vehicle and a full size pickup truck. This research supports the initial implementation of a novel methodology for Evaluating Fleet, i.e., self and partner, Protection (EFP) of new vehicle designs through a systems modeling approach driven by structural and occupant modeling and real world crash and full scale test data. A two part general framework for development of occupant models for fleet vehicles is established: model development (Part I) and model verification and robustness evaluation (Part II). In Part I, current generic occupant models with seat belt and airbag restraints are obtained from restraint manufacturers and then modified to reflect the interior geometry and clearances of the desired vehicle. Data from finite element structural simulations, including the occupant compartment geometry, crash pulse, and toe pan intrusions, are utilized to drive the MADYMO models. Restraint system and dummy seating changes are incorporated to achieve a realistic match for both midsize male and small female driver dummy responses from available frontal crash tests. Part II involves comparing occupant responses from simulation and test data, and assessing trends in occupant responses in selected crash configurations for application in frontal crash fleet simulations.

Optimal design of pre-triggering airbag system for occupant protection performance during frontal crashes

“…In this paper, the occupant restraint system model for Toyota Yaris in frontal impact was developed by National Crash Analysis Center (NCAC) based on MADYMO platform. 17,18 It includes the occupant, car body, seat, instrumental panel, knee bolsters, steering system, seatbelt, and airbag, as shown in Figure 1(a). A Hybrid III 50th multi-body (MB) model in MADYMO platform was applied to simulate the responses and injuries of human body during the impacts.…”

“…6221. 18,19 The impact velocity in 40% overlapped frontal impact was set to 40 mile/h. The acceleration test curves in X, Y, and Z directions (as shown in Figure 1(c)) measured at the vehicle center of gravity were applied in the model according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) test no.…”

Analysis on the driver’s upper and lower neck injury in the three stages of the frontal collision

“…In this paper, the simulation model of the driver restraint system was developed through MADYMO software 16 and validated by the 50 km/h frontal collision test. Then, the effects of the design parameters of the driver restraint system on the occurrence times and the variation trends of the upper and lower neck injury values in the three stages of the driver movement were studied.…”