SIMULATION OF AIRBAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS IN FORWARD IMPACTS OF MOTORCYCLES

A two-dimensional computer simulation has been developed of amotorcycle and rider impacting a flat, rigid, vertical barrier which is perpendicular to the original direction of travel. This paper describes the development and use of the model to simulate an airbag rider restraint system.

The simulation covers the complete airbag cycle from the triggering of the inflator to deflation under the impact of the rider. The simulation results are presented and compared with corresponding impact test results, and a method for optimising rider restraint by modifying the motorcycle front end characteristics is presented.