This paper provides an overview of the "Side Impact Comprehension Program" conducted at PSA Peugeot Citroen. A simple Spring—Dashpot—Gap—Mass computer simulation model has been developped for representing both body side intrusions and biomechanical criteria. Appropriate constitutive equations have been derived for the model elements either from sophisticated calculations or from actual component tests. A Computer Test Procedure EUROSID1 integrated in the simulation model indicates biomechanical criteria.

The model has been used to reproduce the behaviour of a so called "European Average Vehicle". Then systenatic sensitivity analysis has been performed to evaluate the influence of a structural modification (Reinforcement body & doors, etc.) or a vehicle compartment ergonomy change (Padding, SID position, etc.) on the intrusion magnitudes and biomechanical criteria.

This computer simulation model framed in ABAQUS Finite Element code can be run on a Cray computer within a couple of minutes. The results are in very good agreement with the "European Average Vehicle" results for all intrusions, velocities, accelerations and biomechanical criteria (Ribs deflection and velocity, pelvis load, etc.). The parametric study clearly indicates the design modifications required to improve the behaviour of a tested prototype.