Computer Simulation Examples
Gilbert, Ollanik & Komyatte recently utilized a high end computer modeling program called LS Dyna 3D to redesign a minivan that was involved in a severe side impact collision during which three young girls were ejected and fatally injured. The results of the LS Dyna 3D computer simulation demonstrated that minor structural changes to the minivan - including the addition of door beams and a body pillar that were missing in the factory design - would have prevented two and possibly three of the deaths.
The top image shows what happened to a minivan during a real world accident. The bottom image shows what would have happened if the minivan had been properly designed
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This overhead shot from an LS Dyna computer simulation shows two vehicles at impact. |
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These clips show portions of the minivan that was redesigned by Gilbert, Ollanik & Komyatte.
The following video clips from the LS Dyna simulation demonstrate how modest structural changes to the minivan would have dramatically changed the outcome of the accident.
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This LS Dyna simulation shows how the Ford van intruded massively into the side of the minivan during the accident, making direct contact with the minivan rear seats. The seats (along with the seat belts) were ultimately ejected out the rear of the minivan, along with four occupants who were still belted to the seats. |  |
This simulation was performed using a minivan that was redesigned to include basic structural protections, including side impact beams and full body pillars. If this redesigned minivan had been involved in the same accident, the intrusion would have been substantially reduced and the seats would not have been ripped from the floor and ejected from the minivan. As many as three of the four fatalities would likely have been prevented. |  |
This view with the Ford van removed from the picture shows how the entire side panel of the minivan was ripped away during the accident, allowing the Ford van to make direct contact with the minivan rear seats. |  |
This view with the Ford van removed from the picture shows how the redesigned structure limits intrusion and prevents direct contact between the Ford van and the minivan seats. |  |
This final view with both the Ford van and the side panel removed from the picture shows the role of the beams and body pillars in limiting intrusion. |  |