Research Information System
TRANSPORTATION LETTERS, vol.1, no.1, pp.1-32, 2026 (Scopus)
Crashworthiness is a central consideration in the design of automotive
and aerospace vehicles. Although regulatory crash tests remain
essential, they are costly and time-consuming, prompting an increasing
reliance on mathematical modeling during the early design stages. This
review categorizes crashworthiness modeling approaches into three
primary types: Lumped Mass Systems (LMS), Multi-Body Systems (MBS), and
Finite Element Methods (FEM), alongside simplified techniques such as
Response Surface Models (RSM), Crash Pulse Models, and Macro Element
Models (MEM). The applications of these methods are examined at the
vehicle, component, and biomechanical levels, reflecting the different
scales of crash behavior and occupant safety analysis. This review
highlights the dominance of the Finite Element Method, particularly
through LS-DYNA, owing to its fidelity, versatility, and validation in
front-end structural crash analyses. Finally, key research gaps and
future opportunities are identified to support the continued advancement
of efficient and reliable crashworthiness models.