Development of a 50th Percentile Hybrid III Dummy Model

Due to significant improvements in computer technology and finite element (FE) code capabilities, it has become more feasible and effective to incorporate occupant models in the analysis and evaluation of vehicle crashworthiness and safety. Using Detailed FE models that incorporate the vehicle, restrains systems, and occupants, in automotive safety analyses have shown advantages over the traditional methods where the vehicle and occupants are uncoupled. This paper describes a finite element model of a 50 percentile Hybrid III dummy. The model was developed with several fundamentals in mind. First the resulting FE model must accurately represent the actual dummy. This is accomplished by incorporating correct geometry, material properties, and connectivity for all components. Second, the dummy model should be easily positioned and incorporated in vehicle and vehicle compartment models. This is achieved by using a systematic scheme for numbering and organizing the parts and joints in the model. The model should also be efficient, robust, and reliable. For this, special modeling techniques, such as using a uniform mesh for all important components and using one “automatic single surface interface” to treat the contact between all dummy components are incorporated in the model.