title: Validation of finite element models of injury risk in vehicleroadside barrier crashes.
abstract: Guardrail systems are widely used to reduce the possibility of occupant injury in vehicle roadside crashes. This paper investigates the occupant injury risk in vehicle collisions with the weak post w-beam Test Level 2 guardrail barrier. A finite element model of the weak post w-beam guardrail barrier impacted by a 2000-kg pickup truck at a speed of 70 km/h and an angle of 25 degrees was developed and simulated using LS-DYNA. The simulation results were validated against a full-scale crash test conducted at these same conditions. The maximum dynamic deflection of the guardrail, exit velocity and angle of the vehicle, and occupant injury risk were calculated and compared to the test. Kinematics of the vehicle and guardrail were assessed qualitatively as well as quantitatively. The analysis showed that the vehicle was contained and redirected by the weak post w-beam guardrail barrier. The vehicle remained upright and stable during and after the impact. The occupant impact velocity (OIV) and occupant ridedown acceleration (ORA) calculated from simulation results were in good agreement with test data.
authors.affiliation: Virginia Tech-Wake Forest, Center for Injury Biomechanics, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
authors.forename: Qian
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Hampton C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Gabler