The capability to numerically simulate a high deformation impact between a deformable chestform and steering wheel armature is investigated in this research. Experimental impact testing using a droptower device was conducted on a deformable chestform and a three spoke aluminum steering wheel armature under three different testing conditions. Development of highly detailed finite element models were performed and simulated under identical testing situations. The response for each testing situation was different and the numerical simulations were capable of predicting the experimental findings by utilizing hourglass control and correctly implementing penalty scale factors in the numerical contact algorithm.
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