Abstract:

Multi-body software MADYMO was used to establish the simulation model of passenger-side restraint system in frontal impact to improve the protection level of co-driver occupant injuries of sport utility vehicle (SUV) in frontal impact collisions. The simulation results were compared with the experimental data by sliding impact test to verify the validity of the model. Based on the correlated model, the effects of different pre-tightening forms, different stress levels and the buckle friction force of seat belt on the injury values of the co-driver occupant were studied. Through analysis, safety belt double preloaded reduces the occupant chest compression to 31.75%. The greater the retractor load limiter value, the greater the occupant injury. The belt buckle friction force increased to 3.5 kN, leading to decrease the shoulder strap force of safety belt down 320 N, increase the chest stiffness to 175 kN / m, and decrease the chest compression by 26.47%, while the head injury criterion HIC36ms essentially invariant. The results show that the safety belt double preloaded, appropriate to reduce the retractor load limiter value, as well as appropriate to increase the coefficient of buckle friction is conducive for reducing co-driver´s injury of SUV in frontal impact collisions.

Key words: vehicle safety, frontal impact, co-driver, restraint system, occupant injury