Versatility and Limitations of a Fully Detailed Finite Element Model of a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan for Crashworthiness Applications

This paper explains the characteristics of a highly detailed finite element model of a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, intended primarily for crashworthiness applications. The interest of the model, which was funded by a federal grant, stems in part from the its public domain availability. It consists of approximately 540 parts, 337,000 elements, 349,000 nodes and 6,500 connections. Since it will be mainly used to represent its class of vehicle, in this case the minivan type, an alternative concept of validation for a category of vehicles is discussed at the end of the article, together with the versatility and limitations of the model.