Title: Computer simulation of a motor vehicle crash dummy and use of simulation in the design/analysis process

Authors: C. Jernstrom

Addresses: Car Body Design, Volvo Car Corporation, Goteborg, Sweden

Abstract: A computer program for the simulation of a motor vehicle crash dummy in two dimensions has existed for nearly ten years at Volvo. The program was originally developed for a hybrid computer, but has been rewritten to suit a digital one. It is now defined in CSMP73, which is a block-oriented simulation language based on FORTRAN. The input/output routines have been improved in that Volvo use APL as an interface. Together these measures have reduced the time taken to make a simulation run, as well as the time needed to make a desired change to the program. The program can now be used as a powerful tool in the design/analysis process of new vehicles. In the example presented here, which is a dummy in the driver|s seat subject to a frontal collision, this includes the design of the compartment layout, for example: the force deflection characteristic of the steering-wheel; the position of the safety belt anchorage points; and the use of web-lock and force-limiting devices. The program can also be useful when selecting a proper energy absorption characteristic of the vehicle front end, in that this affects the deceleration-time history of the compartment, which is used as an input to the model.

Keywords: vehicle safety; computer simulation; crash dummy behaviour; process analysis; vehicle design; frontal collision.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1983.061077

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1983 Vol.4 No.2, pp.136 - 149

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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