Computational Structural Analysis of a Compact Vehicle under Frontal Impact with a Collapsible Joint Adapted to Steering Column

This paper reviews the structural assessment of a compact vehicle under frontal impact according to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 204 Requirement – Steering Control Reward Displacement. The steering column intrusion analysis is made adding a collapsible joint under axial load. Injury analysis is assessed for the driver according to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 Requirement – Occupant Crash Protection – considering HIC (Head Injury Criterion), Chest Deceleration, Chest Deflection and Femur Load. Computational models have been built based on Ford Motor Company experience using MECALOG RADIOSS (FEA Code) and TNO - MADYMO (Occupant Code).