Abstract
Vehicle crash performance is different for various testing configurations. The current NCAP fixed rigid barrier frontal impact test and FMVSS regulations have significantly improved occupant safety during a frontal crash. However in order to better represent and reduce fatal injuries in real world frontal impacts, several new frontal impact test configurations are being proposed and studied.
This paper compares four different frontal impact configurations with 35 mph impact speed, in terms of finite element crash simulation. The four configurations are 1) 90 degree fixed rigid barrier, 2) 50% offset rigid barrier, 3) 30 degree angular fixed rigid barrier, without anti-slide device, and 4) 30 degree angular fixed rigid barrier, with anti-slide device. This advanced computer simulation technology is now widely used in the auto industry and, in terms of the efficiency, timing and cost, it is the only tool powerful enough to face the technical challenges in future vehicle design.
The comparison is made from a structural point of view. Impact force, deceleration, deformation, and dash/toeboard intrusion are compared. Based on the performance of a given vehicle structure, a qualitative assessment of occupant behavior/injury can be drawn. The general relationship between occupant behavior and vehicle structural response, during a crash event, is well known, e.g. lower vehicle deceleration and less deformation of the passenger compartment will produce better occupant injury performance. The results of this study might be used as a reference for vehicle front end design or potential rulemaking for frontal impact tests.
