A systems approach to quantifying air bag-thoracic interaction

Biss, David J.; Fitzpatrick, Michael U.

Affiliations

¹Office of Passenger Vehicle Research, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U. S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C.

²Fitzpatrick Engineering, Warsaw, Indiana

Abstract

A computer based systems analysis approach to air bag development and design is outlined here which promises to significantly reduce the cost and uncertainties of integrating air bag restraint systems into automobiles, and once they are integrated, to provide the manufacturer with a high level of confidence in their performance characteristics. The approach detailed in this paper uses two newly developed computer models (DEPLOY and PAC) which predict the interaction of a deploying air bag with a forward positioned occupant. Model validation, parameter sensitivity studies and design analyses all have given confidence in the results. However, these activities are only part of an ongoing process which will refine the methodology as it is used by those engaged in air bag development efforts.

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