Abstract:

Frontal impact safety was investigated for a monocoque-body coach mass-produced in China to
improve its structural design. Two simulation models were established for the coach and its driver restraint
system by using a finite element method and a multi-body method to simulate a 50 km/h frontal impact
experiment. Some structural modifications contained an energy absorbing structure designed in front, a safety
belt and a frontal airbag which were matched for the driver restraint system. The 50 km/h frontal impact for
the improved coach was simulated to calculate the head injury, the chest deflection and the thigh injury. The
results show that the improved coach’s safety is improved significantly for the 50 km/h frontal impact; and the
driver injury values are all within the arrange of IARVs (Injury Assessment Reference Value) in a frontal collision
event to passenger car while according to a Chinese Regulation (GB11551-2003) of the occupant protection.
Therefore, selecting 50 km/h as the coach frontal impact speed is feasible in theory.

Key words: automotive safety, monocoque-body coach, frontal impact, Structure improved