A mathematical finite element model of a universal generic buck corresponding to a passenger vehicle front was improved, validated and used. The buck was refined based on a combination of human body model and rigid impactor simulations. The vehicle front geometries that were mimicked were sedan, SUV and MPV and the impact velocities assessed were 20, 40 and 60 km/h. Based on the results from human body to vehicle impact simulations the diameter, mass and impact angle for a corresponding rigid impactor were computed. Thereafter the rigid impactor model was used to improve the force, energy and crush predictions of the buck. The average difference for all impact velocities between the full vehicle to impactor and buck to impactor predictions was 19%. The greatest differences were 71% for peak force, 66% for energy and 34% for total crush.

The universality of the buck was tested by modifying the buck to correspond to the geometry and deformation characteristics of a sedan, an SUV and an MPV with a good pedestrian rating and a sedan, an SUV and an MPV with a bad pedestrian score in the published EuroNCAP vehicle rating. Impact simulations according to the EuroNCAP testing procedures were carried out. There was good agreement between the model predictions and the results from the EuroNCAP tests. Impact simulations with and without a hood leading edge bag were carried out. Significant reductions in leg form force and moment were obtained with the hood leading edge bag.