In the figures some of the results obtained with the simulation model are represented (head acceleration, neck moment and belt force over dummy shoulder).
Red curves show the values obtained with the initial configuration. The impact of the occupant head against the rear part of the frontal seat is clearly observed in the head acceleration curve, as well as in the animation results shown using the postprocessor.
A new solution based on a rear seat airbag is implemented in the model, with 2 main targets: the airbag must avoid direct impact of the head against the front seat, and, on the other hand, it has to try to reduce the force exerted by the belt on the shoulder. Results obtained with the airbag are presented as blue curves, and plotted with the curves obtained without airbag in order to be directly compared.
From the comparison of both models it can be concluded that the airbag implementation clearly improves the global behaviour of the system. With the airbag the direct contact of the head with the front seat is completely avoided, dummy neck moment is reduced and shoulder force has also lower magnitude.