Design of Experiments in Occupant Simulation

Mathematical modelling techniques are becoming increasingly important for automotive vehicle design for occupant protection. Clearly, the high cost of test vehicles and laboratory facilities makes it desirable to optimize the restraint design early in the vehicle development with a mathematical model. In this light, parameter screening techniques and optimization are therefore important analysis tools for the engineer to understand and to practice in his modelling work.

In this paper, Design of Experiments methods are discussed and examples are shown for the use of linear (2^k-p) models for application in occupant simulation work. Results are presented for a Phase Zero MADYMO 2D Airbag and 3-point seatbelt simulation study of the design factors that influence the HIC in a 50 kph frontal barrier crash test.