A Benchmark Study of CAE Sensor Modeling Using LS-DYNA

This paper presents results from a benchmark study of CAE sensor modeling using LS-DYNA. Using the VPG translator, a sensor model was converted from a calibrated RADIOSS model into LS-DYNA input formats for frontal impact simulations carried out in this study. Since two codes have different material laws, element library and functionalities, those deemed to be as closed to RADIOSS were chosen in the translation process. For those that could not be translated directly into LS-DYNA, best engineering judgment was made in selection of appropriate LS- DYNA parameters. Three different frontal impact modes, namely, rigid barrier, pole, and Thatcham offset are simulated in this study. In frontal rigid barrier mode, both 90o barrier and 30o angular impacts are considered. Signals at nine (9) locations were monitored including two sensor signals obtained at the front crash sensor (FCS) and Restraint Control Module (RCM) locations. The quality of CAE data was evaluated using an assessment tool to give objective ratings for comparing results between LS-DYNA and RADIOSS. Sensor signals generated from LS-DYNA were compared with both the RADIOSS and test results. However, only the comparisons with RADIOSS results are presented. By comparing the ratings, LS-DYNA results were, generally speaking, comparable with RADIOSS’ counterparts. Observation of some high frequency response at the onset of acceleration time history obtained at the front crash sensor location at the early stage of this study was improved by LSTC. The study also pointed out areas, i.e. angular and Thatcham impacts, where the LS-DYNA model requires further improvement in the future