An Australian project is presented which aims to apply finite element (FE) computer simulations to test the effect of vehicle seating parameters on head and neck loads in a low-speed rear-end collision. The project's first stage is to create a FE HYBRID III dummy neck model, and validate it with experimental calibration test data. The second stage is to add the new validated HYBRID III neck model to an existing full HYBRID II dummy model, then validate its application to rear-impact simulations against rear-impact experiments. When the full dummy model, containing the new neck model, has been validated for rear impact, the planned third stage is a parametric study, to investigate the changes in head and neck loads, resulting from different seating parameters. The method of finite element simulation has the following main steps: (1) pre-processing, including model creation; (2) main processing, where all the equations are formulated and the results are calculated; and (3) results analysis by post processing software, which allows the results to be viewed through various graphics displays. Model validation is probably the most important stage in FE modelling. The paper describes the calibration tests and model extension in detail. Its Appendix presents graphical results from neck extension and flexion tests.
Abstract