City cars, also called Light Weight Vehicles (LWV), have been in the public eye for a considerable time. This is not because of their environment-friendliness but also because with increasing traffic congestion problems they are becomimg more and more practical. However, due to their mass, Light Weight Vehicles are at a physical disadvantage in comparison to their lower mass in case of an accident. Nevertheless, it is possible to install safety potential in these vehicles, even though their length unavoidably minimizes the available crush distance. This paper presents a MADYMO simulation study which evaluates possible features of a suitable restraint system and its potential in terms of occupant injury protection. Focal point of the study is the frontal impact. Impacts from the side and the rear and rollover are to be considered separately.
Samenvatting