Finite element modelling (FEM) and analysis of 15 mph spherical headform impact with component sections of upper interior structures of a pasenger compartment is presented. The finite element model validations are carried out through very good correlations of the predicted headform responses to those obtained from laboratory tests of spherical headform impact with vehicle components in unpadded and padded configurations. Such techniques can demonstrate the capacity of a well-defined model to help predict headform responses and the effect of adding foam padding and structural design changes on so called Head Injury Criteria (HIC). It is concluded that the application of finite element technique to head impact design issues has great potential for understanding structural design attributes and their effect on HIC measurements. (A)
Samenvatting