Author(s)

G Belingardi, R Duella & F Capello

Abstract

The FMVSS201 standard prescribes a limit value to the HIC index obtained in experimental impact tests of a human head dummy hitting against any location of the front passenger compartment of a motor car. In order to satisfy this limit value, automotive designers are considering the possibility of covering the metallic structure with an appropriate layer of foam. To take advantage from this possibility the designer has to make an appropriate choice of the foam density and of the thickness of the foam layer. The role of these two fundamental design variables have been studied by means of a number of FEM simulations, that have explored the variable interactions by means of a complete experimental plane. Results support the designer in making his choice in order to match the regulation prescriptions.

Keywords