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The MADYMO finite element module has been applied to model a Rover vehicle with an airbag restraint system in a full-scale crash environment. This model is validated using the results of a full-scale frontal 48 [km/h] crash test. The behaviour of both the driver and the passenger have been incorporated in the validation study. When the results of the simulations are compared with the test results, it can be concluded that the simulation model is suited to predict both driver and passenger behaviour as well as the interaction between the occupants and the airbag restraint systems. The validated model was used to study the performance of airbag restraint systems for out-of-position situations. Simulation results of a 5th percentile female, a 50th percentile male and a 95th percentile male passenger leaning forward are included in this paper. It can be concluded that the model is capable of predicting passenger behaviour for out-of-position conditions in a crash environment.

This paper concerns the computer modelling of airbag restraint systems, particularly the aspect of contact interaction between the human body and the airbag. Two approaches can be distinguished for modelling the airbag. The earliest models use a non-deformable elliptical shape or a deformable shape based on line segments and circular arcs for representation of the airbag. Penetration volumes and contact forces are calculated in an empirical manner. A second approach uses the finite element method to simulate the bag material. The finite element bag can deform realistically and bag inertia forces are generated. In this paper a comparison is made between simulation results obtained with the empirical airbag model in MADYMO 2D and the finite element airbag model in PISCES. Validation for both types of simulation has been carried out using impactor tests on sealed airbags. Parameters varied in these impactor tests include the impact velocity and the shape of the impactor face.