Crash Simulation Vehicle Models

Vehicle Interior and Restraint Modeling

EDAG, Inc., developed a full vehicle finite element model (FEM) including a vehicle interior and occupant restraint systems for the driver and front-seat passenger. The resulting FEM represents a model year  2014 Honda Accord mid-size sedan. In a subsequent contract that used this model, researchers at Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) identified a deficiency in the passenger airbag model and developed an improved model with support from the ZF Group. The Updated Accord Model below includes this improved passenger airbag model.

• EDAG report on model development
• VTTI final report, including description of improved passenger airbag model (coming soon)
• Updated Accord Model

Integrated Seat Belt Model Development

NHTSA funded the development of a Finite Element Model (FEM) of seat with integrated seat belts from a recent model passenger vehicle.  The FEM include static tests to evaluate 2019 Honda Odyssey second row seat deformation and potential failure mechanisms.  It also includes dynamic tests with appropriate ATDs to evaluate occupant kinematics and injury in high-severity front and rear impact crashes.  All test data along with seat tear down measurements and component testing, factored into the development and validation of the FE model.

• Report
• Models

Adjustable Sled Test Buck for Multiple Seating Configurations

NHTSA’s Vehicle Research & Test Center designed and fabricated a sled buck to allow for occupant biomechanical response evaluations in both traditional and non-traditional seating configurations.  Testing with this sled buck has included rear-facing, reclined seating scenarios using a 2019 Honda Odyssey second row seat with integrated belts (the FE model of that seat is also posted on this page).  The CAD files for this sled buck are being provided to the public so that modelers can simulate the locations of the external (head restraint and seat back) force measurements from NHTSA tests with both ATDs and post-mortem human subjects (PMHS).  Using these buck files together with the seat model provides an accurate representation of the NHTSA test environment so that ATD or human body models can be evaluated in the same conditions. 

• Model

Structural Countermeasure Research Program
The report by EDAG, Inc., describes necessary changes to a vehicle’s structure to reduce occupant compartment intrusion from NHTSA’s oblique offset frontal crash condition, using finite element simulations of vehicle models in NCAP frontal, IIHS moderate offset, and IIHS small overlap test conditions. The study considered structural reinforcement of driver and passenger sides of the vehicle for left- and right-side oblique offset impacts. The baseline simulation crash tests were performed on the 2014 Honda Accord and 2014 Silverado 1500.

• Report (uploaded 05/2019)
• CAE Model (zip file)

Additional information

• Chevrolet Silverado (uploaded 03/2017)
  • 2014 Silverado model modified for reduced intrusion in NHTSA oblique offset test condition. Original development files
• Honda Accord (uploaded 03/2017)
  • 2011 MY modified for reduced intrusion in IIHS small overlap test. Lightweight Vehicle Report
• Honda Accord
  • 2011 MY. Details

CARB contracted Lotus Engineering Inc. to validate the safety of a low-mass vehicle body-in-white such as the crossover vehicle described in Lotus’ 2010 lightweight vehicle study, An Assessment of Mass Reduction Opportunities for a 2017-2020 Model Year Vehicle Program. The baseline, low option and high option FEA models were developed to support this study.

• Toyota Venza Baseline
• Toyota Venza High Option
• Toyota Venza Low Option

The following models were developed by George Washington University National Crash Analysis Center and used in support of several NHTSA programs.

• Toyota Yaris (2010)
• Cheverolet Silverado (2007)
• Dodge Caravan (1997)
• Ford Econoline (1999)
• Ford Explorer (2003)
• Ford F-250 (2006)
• Ford Taurus (2001)
• Dodge Neon (1996)
• Toyota Rav 4 (1997)