Vehicle Development for Frontal/Offset Crash Using Lumped Parameter Modeling

This paper presents an engineering methodology of developing lumped parameter (LP) models for frontal and offset crash. A parametric study was conducted on validated LP models with a design of experiment (DOE) approach based on the variance optimization method. This approach is used to determine the optimal combination of input design variables in order to achieve good vehicle performance.

An LP model for 40% offset deformable barrier is developed using similar methodology. The test procedure and the properties of the deformable barrier are similar to those proposed by the European Experimental Vehicles Committee (EEVC). The LP model is developed with the capability to model the passenger compartment intrusion. Rearward movement of A-pillar movement on the struck side of the vehicle is studied using the LP model and conclusions are drawn.