Kinematics of dummies during crash using finite elements and multibody dynamics

Abstract

First, multibody dynamics model of the occupant compartment is built using a commercial software, Madymo. Occupant results from Madymo model are compared to sled test results and Madymo model is calibrated to better simulate the sled test, by modifying the coefficients and functions in Madymo model. Second, vehicle finite element model is built using finite element software, Radioss and vehicle structure deformation results from Radioss are compared to real crash test results to validate the finite element model. As a last step, results from Radioss are integrated into Madymo model to simulate a vehicle crash test, offset front impact into a deformable barrier at 56 km/h. Predefined injury criteria parameters, which are measured in a crash test and calculated by Madymo are compared. It is shown that, in case the Madymo model is initially calibrated with sled test data and in the existence of a validated finite element model with crash test, integrating both techniques is a very quick, reliable and efficient way to model occupant kinematics during crash.