DEVELOPMENT OF DETAILED FINITE ELEMENT MODELS OF CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR OCCUPANT PROTECTION 2001-06-0061

A previously defined methodology for the development of Finite Element (FE) detailed models of road vehicles has been utilized to create four different FE models of Child Restraint Systems (CRS). The resulting CRS “fleet” includes two convertible toddler seats, one infant rear-facing seat and a booster seat. Model dimensions range from 5,865 nodes, 4,168 elements and 2 parts for the reduced booster seat to 18,204 nodes, 21,345 elements and more than 20 parts for the most complex convertible one. All adjustable reclining/rocking positions have been considered during the model definition. The main characteristics of the models, as well as the reverse engineering process, are discussed in this paper. Particular material properties have not been studied in depth, but some insight is also offered on this subject to the prospective analyst or modeler. Versatility of the models and future research work required to fully validate the models are briefly commented.