Crash Worthiness

Performance Validation of Two of Side Impact Dummies

This paper validates two finite element models (FEM) of the Side Impact Dummy (SID) by comparing their performance against physical crash tests. The study highlights how FEM is used to predict dummy responses and evaluate injury risk in side impacts, ultimately assessing the fidelity of the models for crashworthiness research.

Energy Absorption in Aluminum Extrusions for a Spaceframe Chassis

The paper describes how finite element analysis (FEA) was used to design and verify the crashworthiness of an aluminum spaceframe chassis for a prototype electric vehicle. The work, a collaboration between LLNL and Kaiser Aluminum, focused on optimizing the structure's energy absorption capabilities during frontal and roof crush events. The use of DYNA3D, an FEA code, was critical for evaluating and refining different design iterations and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Case Studies in Metamodeling and Random Search Techniques

Using parametric geometry definitions in LS‑OPT, this paper evaluates response‑surface, neural‐network, and Kriging surrogates for crashworthiness shape optimization against a sequential random search. It highlights how surrogate‐based parametric modeling accelerates convergence and captures complex buckling and impact behavior. The work provides practical guidelines for selecting metamodeling strategies in parametric shape optimization.

Parametric Finite Element Model of a Sports Utility Vehicle-Development and Validation

Ford Crown Victoria Crash Simulation

This study develops and validates a high-fidelity finite element model for vehicle crash simulations, incorporating detailed mesh analysis, structural digitization, and impact testing to assess crashworthiness.