A numerical study for optimizing vehicle dynamics control systems in offset impacts

In this paper, a novel 3-D dynamic/crash mathematical model is developed and solved numerically to investigate the influence of Vehicle Dynamics Control Systems (VDCS) on vehicle collision mitigation in offset crash scenarios. In this model, the VDCS are co-simulated with a four-wheel vehicle dynamic model and integrated with a nonlinear front-end structure model. In addition, the vehicle body is represented by a lumped mass and four spring/damper units are used to represent the vehicle suspension system. The numerical simulations demonstrate that the vehicle dynamic responses and influence of VDCS on vehicle collisions are captured and analyzed accurately. Furthermore, the mathematical model is shown to be flexible, useful and can be used in optimization studies. The model is validated by comparing the numerical results with other published results and good correlations are achieved.