Analysis of vehicle body with small - Overlap frontal impact on various barriers.

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the vehicle structure in the event of a small-overlap frontal impact (SOFI) on various barriers based on a computer crash simulation model. Three barrier models were developed for SOFI simulation based on real test conditions: Flat 50, Flat 150, and Pole 250. The simulation models were developed using HyperMesh and LS-DYNA software! The crash simulation results were used to evaluate the overall vehicle structure through a comparison of intrusion measurements with the rating guidelines of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The parts sensitive to a smalloverlap crash were confirmed. Thickness optimization was conducted to strengthen the rocker panel, A-pillar, and lower hinge pillar in order to improve the vehicle structure in the event of a SOFI. The best values among the variables were chosen for the new design. The crash analysis using finite element models showed that the most serious damage to the vehicle structure occurred when the minivan model collided with Flat 50 at 20% overlap. In this study, the grade of the overall structure was changed from “poor* to “acceptable” in the case of Pole 250.