Research and optimization of crashworthiness in small overlap head-on collision

Paper in proceeding, 2013

To achieve the purpose of studying structure crashworthiness in small overlap collision, simulations were analyzed by Finite Element Method according to IIHS (The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) regulations. Design of experiment was applied to analyze the sensitivity of each variable, and optimal design was carried out by means of approximation model technology and reliability optimizing design based on monte-carlo simulation technique in the aspects of improving crashworthiness and reducing weight. The result shows that upper rails are the main energy-absorbing parts in small overlap crash. The major factors affecting the safety in small overlap rate collision were determined through the analysis of sensitivity. By contrasting the reliability optimization with the certainty optimization of vehicles, the influence of fluctuation of design variables on quality of product was analyzed. It can be concluded that the reliability optimization is obviously superior to deterministic optimization, which is of great practical application value in engineering.