Abstract
This paper develops a finite element model for studying occupant behavior of a mid-size truck equipped with a driver side airbag. The developed model simulates an occupant behavior using PAM-CRASH/PAM-SAFE in super computer SP2. The model is developed based on a sled test. A 50% hybrid dummy III is used for measuring head and chest accelerations and femur loads, and major injury coefficients such as HIC, CA and femur load. Inferior components such as foot rest, seat, kneebolster, crash pad, etc. are roughly modeled and defined by a rigid material model. And contact type II is used for detecting a contact with dummy. Contact type II definition uses force-deflection relationship of each body Such components as steering column which directly affect on the occupant injuy are modeled in detail and defined by an elastic-plastic material model. Airbag cushion is modeled using rivet elements. Airbag cover groove is modeled using rivet elements. Airbag tether is modeled as nonlinear bar elements. Airbag model has two vent holes to ventilating the exploded gas. Airbag is folded close to the real airbag folding procedure, and folded cautiously in order not to have initial penetration. A vehicle pulse acquired from 31mph frontal barrier test is used as input signal for the simulation. The simulation conditions are tuned to the sled test ones. The measured dummy accelerations and major injury coefficients, and filmed dummy behavior and airbag inflation process using high speed camera are compared to the simulation results to verify the developed finite element model.
