Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the Impact Performance of Instrument Panel Substrate

Nonlinear crash finite element analysis was performed to simulate the dynamic response of the instrument panel substrate in the head impact test. The finite element software used for this study was LS-DYNA3D. This paper describes the modeling strategy such as boundary conditions and loading condition. Energy absorption rate and deflection of the instrument panel substrate were investigated. The impact performance of various substrate designs were also simulated and compared with the baseline design. It was found that thinner substrate in the areas of impact can give substrate additional compliance which results in a greater crash energy absorption.