Development of a Finite Element Model of the Thor Crash Test Dummy

The paper describes the development of a detailed finite element model of the new advanced frontal crash test dummy, Thor. The Volpe Center is developing the model for LS-DYNA in collaboration with GESAC, the dummy hardware developer, under the direction of the NHTSA. The modeling approach and test procedures used to create and validate each major subassembly are discussed. Specialized static and dynamic tests were performed to aid in defining and validating appropriate material models, joint characteristics, and dynamic response characteristics.The details of each dummy component are presented along with the validation procedure based on material and subassembly tests.