Validation of Finite-Element Model of THOR-NT Lower Abdomen

THOR is expected to be the next regulatory frontal impact crash test dummy. It brings substantial biofidelity improvements and additional measurement capabilities compared to the current Hybrid III dummy. However, THOR-NT lower abdomen biofidelity was reported as limited. To improve it, numerical modelling would allow the evaluation of several design solutions but would need a validated THOR Finite Element (FE) model. Under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiative, a THOR FE model was developed and made publicly available. The current study aimed at validating the lower abdomen of the THOR-NT version 1.0 FE model issued in 2011. Impactor and seat belt tests performed on THOR-NT according to published Post Mortem Human Subject test set-ups were simulated using LS-DYNA FE code. Limitations of the current material model used for the abdomen foam block were highlighted and additional material characterization was performed to take into account foam compression rate sensitivity. Abdomen model response was improved for rigid-bar load type, whereas validation under seat belt tests suggested that additional investigations should be carried out including the validation of the pelvis flesh model.

• Record URL:
  http://www-esv.nhtsa.dot.gov/Proceedings/23/isv7/main.htm
• Corporate Authors:

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Desbats, Romain
  • Compigne, Sabine
  • Mottola, Ernesto
  • Masuda, Mitsutoshi
• Conference:
  • 23rd International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV)
  • Location: Seoul , Korea, South
  • Date: 2013-5-27 to 2013-5-30
• Publication Date: 2013

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 14p
• Monograph Title: 23rd International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV): Research Collaboration to Benefit Safety of All Road Users

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Abdomen; Crash tests; Dummies; Finite element method; Frontal crashes; Seat belts; Simulation; Validation
• Identifier Terms: LS-DYNA (Computer program)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Dummy biofidelity
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment; I91: Vehicle Design and Safety;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01569488
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 13-0339
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 14 2015 2:55PM