Modelling and simulation of a sandwiched tube-type airbag and its optimization using design of experiments

摘要

This paper presents efforts made on the computational modelling, simulation, and optimization of a new type of airbag, namely a sandwiched tube-type airbag, which deploys more rapidly than the traditional airbag using less gas mass inflow and can decrease the risk of head injury of an out-of-position passenger. The airbag is modelled using the finite element method with MADYMO. A static airbag deployment test is performed to support and validate the computational modelling efforts. The considered variables for airbag optimization design are as follows: the collocation of the tether, the length of the tether, the mass flowrate, and the size and location of the vent hole. The simulation is performed using an orthogonal array, within the range of given control levels. Finally, the simulation results are analysed by iSIGHT, and the relationships between the design variables could help to design the airbag cushion.