Evaluation of Different Countermeasures and Packaging Limits for the FMVSS201U 2003-01-0329

Different countermeasure designs for reducing the HIC (d) and to comply with FMVSS201U have been evaluated in many component-level studies by suppliers and OEMs. This study presents guidelines to support future countermeasure and interior designs. FMVSS201U has changed the way OEMs design interiors of the vehicles today. Most recently, much more work is being done to find ways to design interiors of the vehicles that comply with FMVSS201U while keeping the interiors aesthetically pleasing, attaining driver comfort and meeting driver visibility requirements. Introduction of side-rail airbags has further affected countermeasure design and packaging. This study focuses on several countermeasure designs in the side-rail region as used in a mid-sized vehicle implemented to meet FMVSS201U requirements and their efficiency with respect to Head Injury Criterion (HIC) reduction given a fixed packaging space. Evaluated countermeasures include safety plastic, corrugated plastic (Sinewave), plastic rib cartage, and Extended Polypropylene (EPP) foam. The performance is based on the simulation work carried out on a full-vehicle Finite Element (FE) model with a sunroof option, using LS-DYNA. Discussion of the correlation between analysis results and laboratory test data is included.