Effects of Angles and Offsets in Crash Simulations of Automobiles with Light Trucks

Two series of finite element and lumped parameter model vehicle-to-vehicle frontal crash simulations were conducted. The vehicles modeled are the 1994 Chevrolet C-1500 light truck and the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. The first set of simulations involves fully-engaged angled impact. Angles range from +50° to -50°. The second set simulates offset impacts in head-on vehicle crashes. The front-end overlap ranged from 20% of the average width of the vehicles to 100% (fully engaged). Driver and passenger injury is assessed using a MADYMO model of a generic automobile interior subject to the horizontal occupant compartment translation and rotations. The results of the two simulation sets are examined for qualitative changes in structural deformation modes, energy absorption, and injury. Relative injury is assessed by head injury criterion (HIC) with a 36-millisecond window and 3-millisecond chest acceleration clip. These criteria are less sensitive to occupant compartment intrusion than other injury metrics.