Investigation of improving energy absorption performance and reducing weight of passenger air bag modules using computer aided analysis.

This study developes a computer analysis method using software for nonlinear dynamic finite element calculations. The aim is to perform impact simulation on a passenger air bag module. The effects of the following parameters on energy absorption performance are investigated: (1) Air Bag Module Door Bead and Thickness; and (2) Reaction Can Material and Plate Thickness. From the results of the parameter study, design criteria are determined for achieving a low weight design with optimum energy absorbing characteristics. (A)