Numerical simulation of the testing device described just now, is used for testing system development, for the validation of the experimental results obtained and, of course, for the optimisation of the side protection and restraint systems by means of simulation models. With this methodology the total number of configurations to test is clearly reduced (so cost are also reduced) in the development of the different system components (side airbag, door trim module, ...).
An important point to consider is the crash test dummy model, because it is the element where the main performance values are measured and evaluated (accelerations, forces, moments, ...). Several outputs have to be defined on this dummy model in the different points to measure accelerations, velocities, displacements, sections and contact forces. From the analysis of these variables the information of the different biomechanical parameters evaluated by the regulations can be obtained (head acceleration and HIC, ribs intrusions and VC, abdomen force, pelvic force).
In the figures the results of abdomen force and ribs intrusion obtained with the simulation model are presented in the slide. Results obtained without side airbag (red curves) and with side airbag (blue curves) are compared, and the effect of reduction of the biomechanical parameters when the airbag is present are easily deduced. Once these improvements are verified in the simulation model, physical test should be conducted in order to check the same performance improvement in the real conditions.