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On behalf of NHTSA, the European commission and the Dutch Ministry of Traffic and Transport, the Safety department of TNO Automotive is performing numerical fleet studies using multi-body vehicle models. Currently nine vehicle models are available, each of a different vehicle class, two vehicle models with a modified front-structure. The aim is to develop strategies for evaluation of front-end structures minimizing the total harm in car-to-car crashes on a fleet-wide basis in different accident scenarios. For these studies multi-body models were constructed from existing finite element models. Front-end structure and passenger cell were modeled in detail to provide realistic deformation modes. Furthermore dummies, airbags, belts and main interior parts like dashboard and steering wheel were included. To qualify the performance of the multi-body vehicle models for crashworthiness in an entire fleet, a study on offset frontal angled impacts was performed.

Virtual testing has grown to be an efficient tool in vehicle passive safety design. Most simulations currently are deterministic. Since the responses observed in real-life and standardized tests are greatly affected by scatter, a stochastic approach should be adopted in order to improve the predictability of the numerical responses with respect to the experimental data. In addition, an objective judgement of the performance of numerical models with respect to experimental data is necessary in order to improve the reliability of virtual testing. In the European VITES & ADVANCE project the software tool Adviser was developed in order to fulfil these two requirements. With Adviser, stochastic simulations can be performed and the quality of the numerical responses with respect to the experimental can be objectively rated using pre-defined and user-defined objective correlation criteria. The software Adviser was used to develop a stochastic HybridIII 50th% Madymo numerical model.

One of the current activities of EEVC Working Group 13 (WG-13) “Side Impact Test Procedures” is to develop a test procedure for Free Motion Head impact tests supplementary to the full-scale mobile deformable barrier (MDB) test specified in ECE Regulation 95. Amongst the factors needed for development of the test procedure, is the determination of “worst case” test conditions for specifying contact point and approach angle. The goal of this research project was to give an objective prediction of head impact location, related head impact angle and impact speed for small, average and large sized belted front occupants in realistic seating positions in a wide range of side impact crash scenarios. Head contact at A-pillar, B-pillar and Roof-rail in two vehicle types (light / heavy) and for different interior dimensions were studied. The prediction of head impact location, velocity and angle was realized by means of virtual testing using MADYMO.