Samenvatting
The application of computer simulation in the development of side airbag system is presented. The side airbag modeled in this study was designed to provide only thorax protection. Using MADYMO 3D version 5.1, two airbag designs (1. seat back mounted; and 2. door mounted) systems were evaluated for their potential in reducing injury values in side impacts. Both DOT-SID and EUROSID dummy databases were used to evaluate the airbag restraint effectiveness. Results from simulations with side airbags have shown significant reduction in rib accelerations for both dummies and reduction in Thoracic Trauma Index (TTI) values for the DOT-SID dummy.