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Nonlinear finite element crash simulation was used to evaluate convertible crashworthiness in frontal and rear impacts. Simulations were employed to help identify direction for front structure reinforcement and convertible top design. The analyses were performed using LS-Dyna3d on supercomputer and workstation platforms wherever it deemed proper. It demonstrated that the simulations were effective in suggesting the right alternatives, which was later verified in the experimental run.

Past studies have shown the applicability of advanced numerical methods for crashworthiness simulation. Lumped parameter (LP) modeling and finite element (FE) modeling have been demonstrated as two useful methodologies for achieving this endeavor. Experimental tests and analytical modeling using LP and FE techniques were performed on an experimental vehicle in order to evaluate the compatibility and interrelationship of the two numerical methods for crashworthiness simulation. The objective of the numerical analysis was to simulate the vehicle crashworthiness in a 0 degree, 48.6 KPH frontal impact. Additionally, a single commercial software, LS-DYNA3D, was used for both the LP and FE analysis.