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Despite substantial efforts, no manufacturer can guarantee that vehicles by themselves will not rollover due to driver induced maneuvers. The complexity of rollover events makes the characterization of these accidents much more difficult than for planar crashes. For this reason, a combined numerical-experimental approach has been developed for the prediction of the vehicle dynamics in rollover conditions. Prediction of the vehicle dynamics in rollover conditions requires simulation models that have validity beyond the common vehicle dynamic motions. This numerical-experimental tool can be used for testing pre-empting rollover sensors and analysis of the vehicle rollover resistance.

On behalf of NHTSA and the Dutch Ministry of Traffic and Transport the Safety department of TNO Automotive is performing numerical fleet studies using multi-body models. Aim is to develop strategies for optimization of front-end structures minimizing the total harm in car-to-car crashes on a fleet-wide basis. For these studies multi-body models are being constructed from existing finite element models. Front-end structure and passenger cell are modeled in detail to provide realistic deformation modes. Furthermore dummies, airbags, belts and main interior parts like dashboard and steering wheel are included. Currently four models are available, each of a different vehicle class. To indicate the performance of the multi-body vehicle models for crashworthiness optimization of a fleet a study on offset frontal impacts is performed. Using the multi-body models a series of parameter sweeps over relevant accident and design parameters were performed.