It is known that during the collision of the vehicle with an obstacle, shock-like impact forces are acting upon the passengers. This shock-like load can be considered as a transient oscillation process. A corresponding analysis, effected at any defined point of the car, reveals that the basic frequency is super-imposed by frequency spectra of differing density and direction. The passenger's body also constitutes an oscillatory element, which is represented by muscles and bones on one hand, and the embedded organs and liquids with their respective couplings on the other. Mathematical simulatory models for some subdomains are known from pertinent literature.
The frequency spectrum is created during the vehicle deformation phase and transmitted to the passenger through the structural elements, the seatbelt anchorage points, or other vehicle parts. From other research sectors it is known that, with oscillatory stresses, certain frequency ranges are specially harmful to man. It must also be assumed that in case of shock-like impact forces acting upon the passenger, there are some frequency ranges that have noxious effects on vital functions of the human body. Before closely investigating these ranges, it must be determined whether it is possible to influence frequency ranges by corresponding design of the overall structures and of the structural element.
The paper deals with the analysis of typical, realistic thin-wall structures, to be used in vehicle deformation zones. It is proved that the occurring frequency ranges may be influenced, provided special aspects are being taken into consideration.