LS-DYNA 3D Interface Component Analysis to Predict FMVSS 208 Occupant Responses

Today's interior systems engineer has been challenged with providing cost-effective instrument panel design solutions to meet NHTSA's new FMVSS 208 front crash regulations. Automotive manufacturers are in continuous search of newer methods and techniques to reduce prototype tests and cost. Analytical methods of predicting occupant and structural behavior using computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis has been in place for quite some time. With the new FMVSS 208 regulations requiring both 5^th and 50^th percentile occupant testing, CAE analysis of predicting occupant response has become increasingly important.

The CAE analyst is challenged with representing the barrier test condition, which involves the structure and the occupant moving at velocities of 25, 30 and 35 mph. Representing the cab kinematics in high-speed impacts is crucial, since capturing the vehicle intrusion and pitching should be made part of the input variables. LS-DYNA3D “Interface Component Analysis” method offers considerable promise in addressing this challenge. This paper discusses the LS-DYNA3D interface component analysis method of simulating barrier test conditions.