A STUDY OF HEAD ACCELERATION DURING CRASH TEST SIMULATION USING LS_DYNA SOFTWARE

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PH.D Eng. of Mechanical Engineering, Ministry of Defense, Cairo, Egypt.

2 MSc student, Mechanical Engineering, Syrian Armed forces.

3 Prof. Dr of Mechanical Engineering, Ministry of Defense, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

A finite element model of a belted-dummy that uses seatbelts as shell elements is modified to include seatbelts defined in LS_DYNA code as seatbelt elements. This action will give the ability to deal with experimental data of seatbelt materials. A comparison between the two cases (shell elements and seatbelt elements) is included to shed light on differences. Head Injury Criterion (HIC) is used to evaluate the head damage coming from resultant acceleration. The output acceleration data of LS_DYNA is manipulated by VB program written for this purpose. Using softer material for the seat at head and back contact area reduced the high values of HIC. But high value of HIC is noticed at initial velocity 10 m/sec according to instant conditions affecting the dummy, which refer to the necessity of using airbag besides seatbelts to get convenient degree of protection. The studies performed indicated the importance of using two seatbelts (the lower seatbelt together with the upper one).

Keywords