Storming Media: Pentagon Reports and DocumentsPentagon Reports: Fast. Definitive. Complete.     
New Account »
Forgot Password?
Advanced Search »
Logistics and FacilitiesSafety Engineering

Optimal Restraint Characteristics for Minimization of Peak Occupant Deceleration in Frontal Impact

Authors: Zhiqing Cheng; Joseph A. Pellettiere; GENERAL DYNAMICS ADVANCED INFORMATION SYSTEMS DAYTON OH
Abstract:
In automobile frontal impact, given the vehicle motion and the interior free space for the occupant's excursion, what are the optimal characteristics of restraint systems for the minimization of the peak occupant deceleration? In this paper, the problem is treated as the optimal protection from impact based on a lumped-parameter model of the occupant-vehicle system. The optimal kinematics of the occupant in frontal impact is studied. The optimal characteristics of passive restraint systems are investigated in detail for three types of vehicle crash pulses: optimal pulse, constant deceleration pulse, and half-sine pulse. Optimization of the characteristics of active and pre-acting restraint systems is addressed. It is found that the optimal kinematics of the occupant in frontal impact is such that the occupant moves at a constant deceleration. Passive restraint systems are not able to provide required protection for the occupant to attain optimal kinematics, but active and pre-acting restraint systems can achieve that if optimally designed.

Limitations: APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
Description: Interim rept. for Jun 2004-Oct 2005
Pages: 11
Report Date: OCT 2005
Contract Number: FA865004D6472
Report Number: A311344
Keywords relating to this report:
*CRASHES
*CRASHWORTHINESS
*Deceleration
*PASSENGER VEHICLES
BIODYNAMICS
CRASH INJURIES
CRASH RESISTANCE
KINEMATICS
OPTIMIZATION
PASSIVE SYSTEMS
RESTRAINT
VALIDATION
VELOCITY
Email This Abstract