Numerical Simulation of Side Impact Sled Tests With Chambered Side Airbag

Abstract This work describes side impact numerical simulation methodology. It also demonstrates an application of PAM-SAFE finite element program to simulate complex interaction among the vehicle-door system, chambered side airbag, and EUROSID-1 dummy in a side impact sled test which was conducted to meet (EEVC) European side impact standards. The simulation methodology developed herein can be utilized in performing parametric studies to optimize the effectiveness of padding and side airbag system. A typical sled simulation without airbag takes approximately one and a half hours of CPU time on high-end engineering workstations. Problems encountered in modeling dummy and chamber side airbag are also discussed. This study also illustrates effectiveness of head-thorax side impact airbag used with door padding, in improving occupant protection.