Abstract
In today's passenger cars passive and active safety systems are features of increasing importance which make an initial design based on comprehensive vehicle and occupant dynamics simulation necessary. In the field of vehicle dynamics simulation the modular computer program FASIM_C++, based on complex three-dimensional vehicle models including mechatronic elements like hydraulic systems, actuators, sensors and electronic controllers, has proved to be extremely helpful. Controller systems like anti-lock-braking systems (ABS), traction control systems (TCS), vehicle dynamics control (ESP) and rollover detection are currently developed with the help of FASIM_C++. In particular the first version of the vehicle dynamics control system ESP has been developed using FASIM for the simulation - an earlier version of FASIM_C++. For development of passive safety systems occupant simulation is of importance. For this purpose the commercial occupant simulation tool set MADYMO is used. Various accident scenarios are modelled with FASIM_C++ and the resulting occupant behaviour is analysed in MADYMO. In this paper, results are presented from different projects, related to vehicle dynamics simulation for the development of active and passive safety systems. These projects are in close co-operation with industrial partners from the German automotive industry.