Optimal Crash Pulse for Minimization of Peak Occupant Deceleration in Frontal Impact
Abstract
In automobile frontal impact, for given restraint characteristics and prescribed impact speed and crash deformation, what is the optimal vehicle crash pulse that produces the lowest peak occupant deceleration? In this paper, based on a lumped-parameter model of the occupant-vehicle system, the problem is treated as a best disturbance problem of the optimal protection from impact. The optimum kinematics of the occupant in frontal impact is found. For linear restraint characteristics, the theoretical optimal crash pulse is obtained, and the relation of the peak occupant deceleration to the impact speed, crash deformation, and the vehicle interior rattlespace is established. The optimal crash pulses for passive, active, and pre-acting restraint systems are discussed. Numerical optimization is formulated to find the optimal crash pulse for general restraint systems. The occupant responses under the constant-deceleration crash pulse and the half-sine crash pulse are analyzed for linear restraint systems. Comparisons are made between the optimal crash pulse and these two "non-optimal" crash pulses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA441783
Entities
People
- Joseph A. Pellettiere
- Zhiqing Cheng
Organizations
- General Dynamics