Structure and padding optimisation for side impact protection

Di Leo, Marcello

This paper aims to show methods to design md optimise vehicle side structure and padding to improve side impact protection.

To limit injuries at thorax level, intrusion profile during impact must perform a negative vertical tilt: a way to obtain this is to avoid B pillar deforming above R point. A static analysis may is useful to determine a proper distribution along B pillar axis of sections moments of inertia.

A good structural behaviour is necessary but not sufficient to perform good results in side impact. A proper control of padding stiffness is very important especially for abdomen protection.

A method to evaluate the stiffness of padding at thoras level is proposed. A similar method is used to determine failure load of armrest for abdomen protection.

Year

Entry

1987

Viano DC. Evaluation of the benefit of energy-absorbing material in side impact protection: Part II. In: Proceedings of the 31st Stapp Car Crash Conference. November 9-11, 1987; New Orleans, LA. Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers:205-224. SAE 872213.

1991

Matsumoto H, Tanaka H. The effect of door structure on occupant injury in side impact. In: Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). November 4-7, 1991; Paris, France.509-516.

1991

King AI, Huang Y, Cavanaugh JM. Protection of occupants against side impact. In: Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). November 4-7, 1991; Paris, France.516-523.

1994

Kanianthra JN, Rains GC. Innovative padding design for side impact protection. In: Proceedings of the 14th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV). May 23-26, 1994; Munich, Germany.1008-1020.

1991

Håland Y, Pipkorn B. The protective effect of airbags and padding in side impacts: evaluation by a new subsystem test method. In: Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Conference on Experimental Safety Vehicles (ESV). November 4-7, 1991; Paris, France.523-533.