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A finite element model utilizing the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) algorithm in LS-DYNA is developed to simulate the behavior of automotive fuel tanks in drop tests. Limited physical tests described in the open literature have demonstrated failures in certain reconditioned fuel tanks, but the tests were inconclusive. The modeling effort described in this paper is aimed at providing insight into the complex loading on the tanks resulting from the fluid-structure interaction. Application of the SPH algorithm to model a variety of fuel tanks as well as laboratory test specimens shows distinct correlations between tank geometry design and its propensity for failure, as well as differences in loading resulting from substitution of water for gasoline.

This paper explains the characteristics of a highly detailed finite element model of a 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan, intended primarily for crashworthiness applications. The interest of the model, which was funded by a federal grant, stems in part from the its public domain availability. It consists of approximately 540 parts, 337,000 elements, 349,000 nodes and 6,500 connections. Since it will be mainly used to represent its class of vehicle, in this case the minivan type, an alternative concept of validation for a category of vehicles is discussed at the end of the article, together with the versatility and limitations of the model.

This paper investigates the effects of driver airbag inflation characteristics, airbag relative position, airbag to dummy relative velocity, and steering column characteristics using a finite element model of a vehicle, air bag, and Hybrid III 50% male dummy. Simulation is conducted in a static test environment using a validated finite element model. Several static simulation tests are performed where the air bag module's position is mounted in a rigid steering wheel and the vertical and horizontal distances are varied relative to the dummy. Three vertical alignments are used: one position corresponds to the head centered on module, another position corresponds to the neck centered on module, and the third position centers the chest on the module. Horizontal alignments vary from 0 mm to 50 mm to 100 mm. All of these tests are simulated using a typical pre-1998 type inflation curve (mass flow rate of gas entering the bag).