Development and Application of the Finite Element Model for a 4WD Vehicle Frontal Offset Impact 2000-05-0264

This paper presents results of an analytical simulation to evaluate the crashworthiness of the car in a frontal offset impact into the fixed deformable barrier. A finite element model for a 4 Wheel Drive vehicle frontal offset impact has been developed including engine, engine mounts, tire, steering column, propeller shaft, etc. A frontal impact with 40% offset has been simulated at 40mph using the nonlinear explicit finite element code of PAM-CRASH. A relatively well correlated finite element model concerning the deformation and deceleration of the vehicle has been achieved, and the feasible methodology for model improvement has been discussed.