Search Results

Stochastic simulation is used to account for the variation in the manufacturing and assembling processes of the vehicle structure and occupant restraint system. An integrated full vehicle model with belted driver, 50th percentile male Hybrid III dummy, subjected to a 35 mph zero degree impact test, is used to present the scatter in the vehicle crash and occupant restraint performance. Yield stress of a typical mild steel has scatter values between 10 to 20% and a coefficient of variation of 5% is derived for scaling the stress and strain curve. The thickness tolerance has scatter values specified between 5 to 10% and a coefficient of variation of 2% is used in the study. The material properties and thickness of major structural components for absorbing impact energies, such as the motor/occupant compartment rails and upper rails, bumper beam, cradle, and toe pan are the random input variables for the structure.