Abstract:

A car body structure was optimized and improved to avoid excess driver chest compression
caused by excess intrusion in side rigid pole barrier crash. A reliable and credible body structure was set up
with a restraint system model in side pole impact based on the test results which had seriously distorted seat
installed beam and floor with insufficient occupant living space. The body structure and the material grades
were modified by the design principles for lateral structure crashworthiness. The results show that the final side
body strength is effectively promoted, the maximum intrusion of front door in side pole impact decreases by 13%
with increasing the lateral restraint system buffer space, and reducing dummy chest damage. Therefore, these
improvements meet the safety goals of body structure in side impact.

Key words: vehicle engineering, passive safety, side pole impact, intrusion, crashworthiness, optimization