Translations of Tests of Components into Occupant Models and Contact Models

The motion of occupants under the conditions of traffic accidents can be described in more or less extensive simulation models.

For the evaluation of loadings on occupants, it is indispensable to include all exterior forces (e.g. seat forces) which have influence on motion behaviour, as well as contact models which describe contact forces during impact (e.g. against the steering wheel).

In component tests, seat belt material, steering wheel and seat were examined; force/deflection characteristics were derived from these experimental results. Utilization of these dynamic charateristics in simulation models results in a realistic description of the motion of the occupant. In this way, mechanical loads on the occupant can also be evaluated, this enabling the assessment of risk of injury.