Dassault Systèmes is making its first foray into the world of automotive crash test simulation with the release of a new model from its SIMULIA brand designed to aid in safety around rear-end collisions.
The new Abaqus BioRID II (Biofidelic Rear Impact Dummy II) model employs finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities to help automotive makers assess and reduce the risk of neck injuries resulting from rear-end vehicle collisions. The BioRID II dummy model is used in conjunction with the physical BioRID II crash test dummy, allowing auto makers to evaluate the realistic performance of complete seats (cushions and backrests) and head restraints during the design phase to minimize such injuries.
“We are new to the crash simulation field, but we've made it a strategic corporate objective to develop a strong, leadership position in the automotive industry,” says Marc Schrank, director of crashworthiness and occupant safety for SIMULIA. “Crash test is a major full vehicle simulation and we want to have a leadership position in full vehicle applications.”
The Abaqus BioRID II, developed and validated in cooperation with the German Assn. for Research in Automotive Technology, takes advantage of Abaqus technology to represent the complex neck and spine construction of the physical BioRID II dummy. As a result, it enables accurate, yet computationally efficient, simulation of the accelerations and loads occurring in the spine, neck and head during a rear-end collision.
While currently some regulations require the use of physical crash test dummies, Schrank sees that changing over time. “The more work that can be done via simulation and the more accurate simulations we can do, the fewer prototypes and physical tests would have to be done,” he says. “There's a move afoot in the automotive industry to rely on more realistic simulations. Building prototypes is expensive and time consuming.”
The BioRID II model addresses a fairly significant market need. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, whiplash injuries sustained in rear-end collisions account for close to $8.5 billion in insurance claims annually.
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 SIMULIA’s BioRID II crash test model helps the automotive industry design car seats and head restraints to reduce whiplash injuries. |
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