Comparison of a Lumped-Mass Model and a Finite Element Model of the Hybrid III Dummy Neck

The impact responses of a lumped-mass model and a finite element model of the Hybrid III dummy neck were compared in this investigation. The lumped-mass model was developed using the CAL3D program and the finite element model was developed using the DYNA3D program. The head and neck impact response was evaluated based on the standard pendulum test for the dummy neck calibration. Simulation results indicated that the lumped-mass model had good correlation with the test data for the head rotation, neck moment, neck axial and shear force. On the other hand, the finite element model also captured the overall head/neck response patterns albeit with more model to test discrepancy than the lumped-mass model. Furthermore, the CPU time required for the finite element model is orders of magnitude more than that required for the lumped mass model. To explore the modeling capabilities in the DYNA3D program, the CAL3D lumped mass neck model was duplicated using the DYNA3D joint and spring/damper features. This lumped-mass DYNA3D neck model showed improved results compared to the finite element neck model and a 95% reduction in the required CPU time on the workstation.