| PROJECT OBJECTIVE |
Develop a finite element model of the human
thorax with sufficient anatomic detail to investigate both bony and soft
tissue injuries under automotive crash loads. |
| BACKGROUND |
Analytical modeling, in combination with
experimental testing, will provide essential information on the mechanisms
and tolerances of thoracic injuries. |
| PROBLEM DEFINITION |
Understanding the complex problem of thoracic
injuries is difficult using only experimental methods. A detailed finite
element model will be used in combination with experimental testing to
provide needed insight into the mechanisms and tolerances of thoracic
injuries. |
| RESEARCH APPROACH |
A detailed finite element model of the
human thorax has been developed, including sufficient anatomic detail
to investigate both bony and soft tissue injuries under automotive crash
loads. This model will be used to study applications of interest to the
automotive safety community |
| POTENTIAL IMPACT/APPLICATION |
All crashworthiness programs involving
thoracic injury mechanisms and tolerances. |
| RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS |
FY96 |
FY97 |
FY98 |
FY99 |
FY00 |
| Contract Money ($K) |
185.0 |
200.0 |
225.0 |
250.0 |
|
|
| PROJECT MANAGER |
Rolf Eppinger
(202) 366-4720 |
| COMPLETION DATE |
TBD |
| PUBLICATIONS |
- Plank GR, Kleinberger M, and Eppinger
RH. Finite element modeling and analysis of thorax/restraint system
interaction. Fourteenth International Technical Conference on the
Enhanced Safety of Vehicles, Munich, Germany, 1994.
|
| PROJECT TASKS |
| Task |
Title
and Description |
| Task
1 |
Run
series of simulations to determine the effect of force limiting
belts, alone and in combination with an airbag. |
| Task
2 |
Run
series of simulations to study out-of-position occupants. Determine
feasibility of using existing airbag model to conduct this study. |
| Task
3 |
Run
side impact simulations and compare results with existing experimental
data. |
| Task
4 |
Improve
anatomic detail of model to include discrete organs. |
| Task |
Start
Date |
Projected
Completion Date |
Status/Responsibility |
| 1 |
1/97 |
12/97 |
Simulations
completed. Technical paper has been written and is under review. |
| 2 |
1/97 |
3/98 |
Preliminary
simulations have been run to study out-of-position airbag deployment |
| 3 |
3/98 |
12/98 |
Preliminary
simulations have been run on side impact |
| 4 |
12/98 |
12/99 |
|
|
