Validation Methods for Finite Element Automobile Crash Modeling Based on Wavelet/Wavelet Packet Decompositions

Validation methods for the finite element automobile crash modeling were developed using wavelet analysis. Based on the decompositions on wavelet packet bases, two types of signal energy distributions were established with respect to: (a) frequency index, and (b) time position and frequency index, which provide a common basis for the comparison between the simulation results and the test data in terms of the variation of amplitue with respect to frequency and time. Based on the decompositions on wavelet bases, correlation analysis was used to evaluate the differences in pulse shape and peak timing between the simulation results and the test data for the gross motions and major impact pulses. The use of the methods was illustrated in the validation of a 1997 Honda Accord finite element model for full frontal impact.