Methodology for scaling finite element dummy and validation of a Hybrid III dummy model in crashworthiness simulation

Abstract

For study of car-pedestrian crashes, it is two common methods that can be employed: conducting crash tests with mechanical dummies and simulating car crashes on computer. The former is a traditional way and gives good results compared with real life car impact; however, its disadvantage is very expensive test equipment and generally more time-consuming than the latter because after every crash test, experimental vehicles as well as dummies need repairing to be ready for the next experiments. Therefore, crash test simulation using finite-element method is more and more popular in the automobile industry because of its feasibility and cost saving. The majority of finite element dummy models used in crash simulation. Particularly, it is popular to use Hybrid III 50th dummy model which is built based on fiftieth percentile male (equal in height and weight of the average North American). Thus, it is necessary to develop a scaling algorithm to scale a reference dummy size into a desired one without rebuilding the entire model. In this paper, the Hybrid III dummy model provided by LS-DYNA software is scaled to suit Vietnamese biomechanical characteristics. Scaling algorithm comprises dummy geometry, inertial properties and joint properties is utilized. In order to estimate level of head injury – brain concussion by using numerical simulation, the correlation between Head Injury Criterion (HIC) and Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) is introduced. In addition, the Hybrid III dummy model in crashworthiness simulation is presented in key frame picture. Numerical simulation approach is validated by comparing results of head acceleration and HIC obtain from this study with experimental data and numerical simulation results in other publication