Sensitivity and stochastic analysis in a crash simulation environment

Some results of a sensitivity analysis of a car passenger compartment with respect to the driver passive safety response have been reported. The system considered is a sled-test ridge, in which a hybrid III dummy, together with seat and dashboard, has been submitted to the deceleration pulse of a crash test. Attention has been focused on the influence of the knee-bolster foam cushion on some biomechanical damage indexes. The foam is a polypropylene honeycomb type called StrandfoamTM from Dow. The model of its mechanical characteristics is based on the Gibson model [Gibson, L.J. and Ashby, M.F., 1997, Cellular Solid. Structure and Properties (Cambridge University Press).]. The influence of the foam parameters variation was studied, and correlations between the variations of the input parameters and the output responses were investigated. Multivariable statistics analysis and the software ADVISER (Advance and Vites Software for Evaluation and Rating) were used.