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MADYMO is a well accepted multibody program for crash analyses. The main emphasis of the program is the prediction of the kinematics and dynamic behaviour of crash victims during a crash. A brief description of the MADYMO history and theory is presented as well as recently developed couplings with explicit finite element programs for non-linear structural analyses. The development of dummy databases is described with special emphasis on the development of the EUROSID dummy database using a new multibody module. This module is based on a recursive algorithm and allows modelling of other kinematic joints in addition to the currently available ball and socket joints. The use of MADYMO in impact biomechanics is illustrated with examples from the area of vehicle safety and sports biomechanics. The use of MADYMO for structural modelling is illustrated by a side-impact simulation using MADYMO to model both car and occupant.

This paper concerns the computer modelling of airbag restraint systems, particularly the aspect of contact interaction between the human body and the airbag. Two approaches can be distinguished for modelling the airbag. The earliest models use a non-deformable elliptical shape or a deformable shape based on line segments and circular arcs for representation of the airbag. Penetration volumes and contact forces are calculated in an empirical manner. A second approach uses the finite element method to simulate the bag material. The finite element bag can deform realistically and bag inertia forces are generated. In this paper a comparison is made between simulation results obtained with the empirical airbag model in MADYMO 2D and the finite element airbag model in PISCES. Validation for both types of simulation has been carried out using impactor tests on sealed airbags. Parameters varied in these impactor tests include the impact velocity and the shape of the impactor face.

This paper concerns the development and validation of a three-dimensional mathematical model representing a motorcycle with rider. As part of this development, several motorcycle to barrier tests were performed at the laboratories of the TNO Crash-Safety Research Centre and several measurements were carried out, including measurements to determine the inertia properties of the motorcycle segments. Results of two full scale tests involving a passenger car were then applied to validate the model in a more realistic crash environment. The resulting MADYMO motorcycle model consists of 7 bodies linked to each other by joints and spring-damper type elements. Special attention was given to the mathematical representation of front fork, front wheel and gastank. A 50th %ile Part 572 dummy with pedestrian pelvis and legs represented the rider. For representation in the model an existing dummy database was updated.

The three-dimensional head-neck model of Deng and Goldsmith (J. Biomech., 1987) was adapted and implemented in the integrated multibody/finite element code MADYMO. The model comprises rigid head and vertebrae, connected by linear viscoelastic intervertebral joints and nonlinear elastic muscle elements. It was elaborately validated by comparing model responses with the responses of human volunteers subjected to frontal and lateral sled acceleration impacts. Fair agreement was found for both impacts. Further, a sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effect of parameter variations on model response. The model proved satisfactory and may be used as a tool to improve restraint systems or dummy necks.

This paper presents a three-dimensional 15-segment model of the Hybrid III dummy for the MADYMO 3D Crash Victim Simulation program. The model is based on measurements conducted on two Hybrid III dummies by Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Results of MADYMO 3D simulations will be compared with Hybrid III sled tests conducted by Ford Motor Co. These tests were conducted at three different impact severity levels. For the three test conditions good agreement between model and experimental results could be observed for most of the output parameters. Recommendations for further model improvements will be made.