2United States Steel Corporation, United States of America
Abstract
National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating an oblique offset frontal impact test. This project evaluates test and simulation results to determine structural changes to reduce occupant compartment intrusion. Review of test results indicated that mid-size Sedans and Pickup trucks showed higher structural intrusions and higher passenger compartment decelerations. Existing Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) models for a mid-size Sedan and Pickup truck were used to evaluate structural changes and the corresponding cost impact to improve performance in the oblique offset test condition. This paper describes the CAE study carried out to study structural reinforcement countermeasures for both the driver and passenger sides of the vehicle in left- and right-side oblique offset frontal impacts. This paper presents the structural mass changes due to reinforcement countermeasures and the cost impact.