Testing and Modeling of an Automobile Seat in Frontal and Rear Collisions

A multi-body vehicle scat model was constructed for use with the MADYMO simulation program. When combined with existing occupant models, the seat model can show the effect of seat design changes on occupant kinematics as well as calculate the loads imposed on the seat by the occupant. An initial data set for the model was based on a typical domestic seat used in mid-size two-door sedans during the model years from 1986 to 1994. Special equipment was designed and built to facilitate static testing of the overall seat structure. Dynamic behavior was recorded through sled tests at the Automobile Safety Laboratory of the University of Virginia. Seats were sled-tested in front and rear crash situations with a HYBRID III occupant dummy. The results show good qualitative agreement between the model and the sled for both occupant and seat kinematics. Run times of approximately 10 CPU minutes are obtained for 200 ms simulations on an IBM RS6000 workstation. This model will be used for seat stiffness parameter studies in a rear impact environment and, ultimately, for integrated seat research.