1 Material selection

One of the first steps in improving vehicle crash performance is choosing the right materials for the vehicle components. Different materials have different properties, such as strength, stiffness, ductility, and density, that affect how they behave under impact. Simulation and modeling can help engineers evaluate the performance of various materials, such as steel, aluminum, composites, or plastics, in terms of energy absorption, deformation, fracture, and weight reduction. By using simulation and modeling, engineers can select the optimal materials for each part of the vehicle, such as the bumper, the hood, the doors, or the chassis.

2 Structural design

Another way to improve vehicle crash performance is to design the vehicle structure to withstand and dissipate the impact forces. The vehicle structure consists of several elements, such as the crumple zones, the side beams, the roof pillars, or the floor pan, that work together to protect the occupants and the vehicle integrity. Simulation and modeling can help engineers design the vehicle structure to achieve the desired crashworthiness, which is the ability of the vehicle to reduce the severity of injury to the occupants. By using simulation and modeling, engineers can optimize the shape, size, orientation, and connection of the structural elements, as well as evaluate the effects of different crash modes, such as frontal, side, or rollover.

3 Occupant protection

A third way to improve vehicle crash performance is to design the occupant protection systems, such as the seat belts, the airbags, or the head restraints, to reduce the risk of injury to the occupants. The occupant protection systems are designed to restrain and cushion the occupants during a crash, as well as to prevent them from being ejected or colliding with the interior parts of the vehicle. Simulation and modeling can help engineers design the occupant protection systems to match the characteristics of the occupants, such as their size, weight, posture, or position. By using simulation and modeling, engineers can optimize the timing, deployment, and inflation of the airbags, as well as the tension, force, and pretension of the seat belts.

4 Crash avoidance

A fourth way to improve vehicle crash performance is to design the crash avoidance systems, such as the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the electronic stability control (ESC), or the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), to prevent or mitigate the occurrence of a crash. The crash avoidance systems are designed to enhance the vehicle handling, braking, steering, or sensing capabilities, as well as to warn or assist the driver in critical situations. Simulation and modeling can help engineers design the crash avoidance systems to respond to various driving conditions, such as traffic, weather, or road surface. By using simulation and modeling, engineers can optimize the performance, reliability, and compatibility of the crash avoidance systems, as well as evaluate their impact on the vehicle dynamics and the driver behavior.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?