Extended Validation of the Finite Element Model for the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Pick-Up Truck (MASH 2270kg Vehicle)

A finite element (FE) model based on a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado quad-cab pick-up truck was developed through the process of reverse engineering at the National Crash Analysis Center of The George Washington University. This detailed FE model was constructed to include full functional capabilities of the suspension and steering subsystems. This model was initially validated by comparing the simulation of the New Car Assessment Program frontal wall impact with actual data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests for a comparable vehicle. This was supplemented with comparison to inertial and suspension response data that compared the vehicle before tear down to the FE model. Acceptable results of the initial validation led to the release of the FE model. Subsequently, interior elements were added to the model and additional validations were conducted. The first validation involved comparing data from other full frontal wall tests to the simulated test with the updated model. The model was also successfully validated against a side impact test. The robustness of the model was demonstrated by simulations of a centerline pole impact and damage consistency comparisons for rigid wall, offset deformable barrier, and centerline pole impacts at varying speeds. The simulations executed without error in these runs and the results reflected the expected responses and consistency with varying parameters. This led to the conclusion that the model was robust across various impact scenarios.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AFB20 Roadside Safety Design.
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Marzougui, Dhafer
  • Kan, Cing-Dao (Steve)
  • Samaha, Randa Radwan
  • Cui, Chongzhen
  • Nix, Lilly
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 92nd Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2013-1-13 to 2013-1-17
• Date: 2013

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 15p
• Monograph Title: TRB 92nd Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash tests; Finite element method; Pickup trucks; Simulation; Vehicle safety
• Identifier Terms: Chevrolet Silverado
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01478002
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 13-2565
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Apr 15 2013 9:12AM