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This paper describes an analytical method to find optimal side structure of convertible vehicle for occupant protection using full vehicle finite element model compared with typical notch-back style vehicle. The strategy of occupant protection for convertible vehicle is quite different from that of notch-back sedan in the view point of vehicle structure due to the limitations in building concept of side structures. In this study, the strategy leading to reliable results in the convertible type vehicle will be discussed. This analysis work shows a good preliminary result for predicting vehicle side structure behavior and occupant injury in early stage of car developing program.

This paper includes madymo simulations and sled tests for airbag depowering. A compact vehicle's driver and passenger airbags, developed for previous FMVSS 208 regulation, were depowered 20% and 30%. Sled tests and madymo simulations were performed with the sine sled pulse for baseline and depowered airbags under unbelted condition. The results of simulation were compared with those of sled tests which were conducted according to the procedure of amended regulation. In addition, so-called “ridedown energy” management technique was introduced to improve the understanding of physical differences between sine sled pulse and vehicle barrier pulse. By comparing the sine pulse with barrier pulse of a compact vehicle and a mid sized vehicle, it was found that the sine pulse is a typical body pulse of a large sized vehicle and a compact vehicle pulse normally has shorter vehicle rebound time and higher deceleration peak than sine pulse because of small energy absorbing spaces in engine room.