Effect of Airbag Porosity, Mass Flow and Load Limiter on the 5th and 50th Hybrid Dummies in a 35 Mph Crash

Restraint systems play an important role in managing the energy of occupants during a crash event. Belt and airbag systems complement each other in order to gradually decelerate the occupant. However, the seating position of the 5^th percentile female and 50^th percentile male occupants forces the need to manage this energy in different ways. MADYMO simulation of a generic vehicle-restraint system with a driver side 5^th and a 50^th percentile Hybrid III dummy were done for a typical frontal impact. The belt system had a retractor/load limiter, but no pretensioner. The effect of airbag fabric porosity, inflation rate and seat belt load limiting ability were evaluated for both occupants. Parameters examined that affect system rebalancing to achieve the highest star rating were HIC and 3ms Chest acceleration.