An Open-Source Finite Element Model of a Generic Car Seat: Development and Validation for Low-Severity Rear Impact Evaluations
Paper in proceeding, 2022

A Finite Element model of a generic Laboratory Seat was developed to replicate a physical counterpart used in rear-impact volunteer tests. The Laboratory Seat has a simplified design, developed to facilitate replication in computational models. The seat has a flat rigid base and the seatback consists of four horizontal panels attached to side posts by coil springs. The seat model was validated with results from component tests and sled tests, including the Anthropomorphic Test Device, BioRID II. An initial test series was carried out to generate data for component validation: the first set of tests to characterise the coil spring properties; and the second set comprising Impactor Tests on Head Restraint Foam to assess the head restraint material properties. For system level validation, sled tests were conducted both with the empty Laboratory Seat and with the BioRID II. The BioRID II tests were conducted in conjunction with an earlier volunteer test study. Both the component and the sled tests were reproduced in a virtual environment. Good agreement was achieved between the mechanical tests and the computational simulations. The seat model is freely available to use: https://openvt.eu/fem/open-access-laboratory-seat-model.

rear impact

finite element modelling

open source

BioRID

generic car seat

Author

Jonny Genzel

The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI)

Anna K Carlsson

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Vehicle Safety

Astrid Linder

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Vehicle Safety

Bengt Pipkorn

Autoliv AB

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Vehicle Safety

Mats Svensson

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Vehicle Safety

Conference proceedings International Research Council on the Biomechanics of Injury, IRCOBI

22353151 (ISSN)

Vol. 2022-September 229-242

2022 International Research Council on the Biomechanics of Injury, IRCOBI 2022
Porto, Portugal,

Open Access Virtual Testing Protocols for Enhanced Road User Safety (VIRTUAL)

European Commission (EC) (EC/H2020/768960), 2018-06-01 -- 2022-05-31.

Subject Categories

Aerospace Engineering

Applied Mechanics

Vehicle Engineering

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Latest update

10/25/2023