Vehicle and Occupant Response to Low Speed Impact: Comparison of Analysis with Test and Parametric Study

Comparison of a vehicle and its occupant's dynamic test response to analysis results for a low speed, in-line impact, are made. The methodology employed combines a previously validated two degree of freedom linear spring-mass-dashpot analytical solution for the vehicle, with the Articulated Total Body (ATB) numerical response for the occupant. Preliminary results, based upon a comparison with published test data, indicate that the simulation employed is capable of delivering reasonable peak-level acceleration results and approximate time intervals, once appropriate vehicle and occupant mass, stiffness, energy dissipation, seat back and occupant position data are input. Sensitivity of results to various vehicle and occupant parameters, such as seat-back stiffness, inclination and occupant back, head and neck sitting angles, are also presented.