Title: Numerical simulation of dummy head impact tests on steering wheels

Authors: S.-J. Ying

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Components Engineering, Chrysler Corporation, Highland Park, Michigan 48288, USA; Present address: Department of Chemical and Mechanical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, USA

Abstract: This report presents the numerical simulation of dummy head impact tests on steering wheels. In the theoretical formulation, the motion of the dummy before impact is studied, and its result serves as the initial condition for the impact. During the impact the frictions existing between the dummy head and the steering wheel and at the pivot are considered in addition to the change of momentum due to impact force alone. The load vs. deflection curves of the steering wheels are simulated by three segments of straight lines for the elastic region before yield point, the region after the yield point and the unload region. The curve produced from the numerical calculation matches well with the impact data as presented in this report. The causes of high-frequency oscillation which appeared in the testing data are discussed.

Keywords: crash simulation; dummy head; head injury criteria; steering wheel; vehicle safety.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1982.061283

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1982 Vol.3 No.2, pp.234 - 242

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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