This paper demonstrates how to use advanced finite element modeling techniques such as airbag modeling, material plasticity with consideration of failure and effects of temperature and strain rates, surface to surface sliding contact treatment, nonlinear transient dynamics, and so on, to perform structural analysis of airbag modules. A technique to calculate the transient dynamic loads on the structure of an airbag module is first demonstrated. The dynamic transient loads on the structure are calculated by an integrated airbag modeling and sliding contact treatment with the structural model of the airbag module.
Other techniques for modeling special design features of the airbag module, such as tear seam, tear tie, and hinge on a cover, press fit of a gas defuser, housing, connections of each component, and so on are also illustrated and discussed. All modeling techniques are illustrated by analysis examples in product development. Some tests have been done to verify the modeling techniques and good correlation has been achieved.