Mathematical modeling of a vehicle crash test based on elasto-plastic unloading scenarios of spring-mass models

This paper investigates the usability of spring which exhibit nonlinear force-deflection characteristic in the area of mathematical modeling of vehicle crash. We present a method which allows us to obtain parameters of the spring-mass model basing on the full-scale experimental data analysis. Since vehicle collision is a dynamic event, it involves such phenomena as rebound and energy dissipation. Three different spring unloading scenarios (elastic, plastic, and elasto-plastic) are covered and their suitability for vehicle collision simulation is evaluated. Subsequently we assess which of those models fits the best to the real car's behavior not only in terms of kinematic responses but also in terms of energy distribution. © 2010 Springer-Verlag London Limited.