The Improvement of a Minibus' Structure Based on Computer Simulation of Crashworthiness

In this paper, a detailed full vehicle finite element model was established for the simulation of frontal impact with a rigid wall of the original design of a minibus. The simulation results show that the original design has some problems with regard to crashworthiness. Some parts had inefficient energy absorbing characteristics and improper deformation mode. Based on the simulation result, the foreside of the seven-seat bus was redesigned to gain better energy absorbing characteristic. After modeling and impact simulation of the redesigned minibus, the results showed considerable improvement in performance.