Extended Validation of the Finite Element Model for the 2010 Toyota Yaris Passenger Sedan

A finite element (FE) model based on a 2010 Toyota Yaris passenger sedan was developed through the process of reverse engineering at the National Crash Analysis Center (NCAC) of The George Washington University (GWU). This detailed FE model was constructed to include full functional capabilities of the suspension and steering subsystems. This model was validated by comparing the simulation of the NCAP frontal wall impact with actual data from NHTSA tests for comparable vehicles. Acceptable results of the initial validation led to the release of the FE model. Subsequently, validation efforts continued with comparisons to data from other full frontal wall and offset deformable barrier impacts. Simulation results compared well to data from these tests. Finally, model robustness was demonstrated by additional simulations of centerline pole impacts, full frontal and offset impacts into a Chevrolet Silverado, and damage comparisons for impacts at varying speeds. The simulations executed without error in these runs and the results reflected the expected responses and consistency with varying parameters. These results led to the conclusion that the model was robust across various impact scenarios. Working Paper NCAC 2012-W-005 July 2012