PARAMETRIC FINITE ELEMENT MODEL OF A SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLE - DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION

As part of the NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) a finite element model of a Ford Explorer SUV has been developed using a formulation that results in a model with arbitrary element size and element size distribution. This correct Abstract. model enables the developer and analyst to choose a finite element model most applicable to the specific crash scenario under study. The element size and element distribution are parametrically defined at the time of the model generation. The general model is verified against several specific models with different element size densities and distribution, and compared with experimental results of crash tests. In the analytical study, models are generated for several crash scenarios and for several degrees of vehicle engagement with the stationary obstacle.