Dr Philippe
Petit
Renault Group
Finite Element Modelling of the Human
Body in the Automotive Industry: Historical Overview, Current Applications, and
Future Perspectives
Application of computational biomechanics models in
the automotive industry began more than 50 years ago. One of the earliest
examples was a model developed by the Renault Group in the early 1970s, which
consisted of an assembly of two-dimensional articulated ellipsoids used to
analyze the interactions between a vehicle and its occupants.
In the 1990s, the Renault Group, in collaboration with
École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts
et Métiers ENSAM (Engineering school in Paris),
developed a 3-D finite element human body model consisting of approximately
10,000 elements. It was designed and applied to predict occupant kinematics and
the loading imposed by car restraint systems. Injury prediction capabilities
were added step by step but were limited by the coarse description of the
anatomy due to the large element size.
Joint efforts on the European scale
were successively funded by the European Commission (HUMOS projects) resulting
in a human body model with a refined geometry and enhanced injury prediction
capabilities. Finaly, in 2006, a worldwide consortium (Global Human Body
Modelling Consortium - GHBMC) was set up by 11 car manufacturers and suppliers,
with sponsorship from NHTSA (National Highway Safety Administration – USA). The
Consortium supported creation of six Centers of Excellence that developed a
family of models (occupants and pedestrians) representing a wide range of the
population, from the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile
male. Development of these models was driven by the need to create capabilities
for predicting the key injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes.
As of today, the GHBMC 50th percentile male
detailed model is certified for use in European New Car Assessment Program EuroNCAP 2026 protocols where vehicle performance in terms
of road users’ protection from injuries is evaluated. The certification of the
other models of the family (5th percentile female, 50th
percentile female and 95th percentile male) is planned as well.
Human body modelling has the
potential to enable investigating innovative injury protection concepts and
understanding injury mechanisms. Examples presented will
include personalization and potential synergies with sports safety applications.