Failure Modes Analysis in the Crash Barrier Simulation

The technology of FEA modelling is expanding rapidly in the field of automotive safety analysis. From the pre/post-processing for the material impact to the mathematical equations in the solver the non-linear analysis becomes a vital part of the simulation. In this paper we trace the development of experimental data validated-analysis method for the Cellbond honeycomb barrier model by using LS-Dyna software. The utilization of the database from IIHS and Advanced-MDB cores in the estimation of solid material parameters enables our simulation well framed into the impact criterion corridors. Over the past 10 years in Cellbond Ltd, at least three general categories of experimental-analysis methods can be identified in the failure modes classification: (1) Forced-Normal Mode Tests, (2) Dynamic Frequency-Response Filtration and (3) Mathematical Estimate against Theory. FEA impact-analysis method for each of these categories can be incorporated as multiple-input concept in one way or another. Historically, the failure modes characteristics of structural mechanical systems have been estimated by techniques that fall into either the first or second category. The forced-normal mode tests method has always been included in the repeated single inputs concept while the Dynamic Frequency-Response Filtration method, until recently, only involved the application of multiple-input. This paper presents a generalised FEA-modes-analysis method with emphasis on the including the refinements of the previous methods. The FEA-modes- analysis method, that fall into the last two categories are composite approaches that utilize the static load-curve estimation algorithms based upon structural models and include multiple-input concepts. The current FEA developments in the areas of dynamic simulation are encouraging.