Parameter identification for a low-density-foam material model using numerical optimisation procedures. Issue 7 (30th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Škrlec, Andrej; Klemenc, Jernej; Fajdiga, Matija
• Is Part Of: Engineering computations. Volume 31:Issue 7(2014)
• Page Start: 1532
• Page End: 1549
• Publication Date: 2014-09-30
• Subjects: Genetic algorithm -- Finite-element method -- Gradient-descent method -- Low-density foam -- LS-DYNA; Computer-aided engineering -- Periodicals; Computer graphics -- Periodicals; 620.00285
• DOI: 10.1108/EC-03-2013-0100
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-4401

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – In the event of a crash involving a car, its seats, together with their backrests and head supports, ensure the safety of the passengers. The filling material used for such a car seat is normally made of polyurethane foam. To simulate the behaviour of the seat assembly during a crash, the material characteristics of the seat-filling foam should be appropriately modelled. The purpose of this paper is to present a method, with which the proper parameter values of the selected material model for the seat-filling foam can be easily determined. Design/methodology/approach: – In the study, an experiment with the specimen from seat-filling foam was carried out. The results from this experiment were the basis for the determination of the parameter values of the low-density-foam material model, which is often used in crash-test simulations. Two different numerical optimisation algorithms – a genetic algorithm and a gradient-descent algorithm – were coupled with LS-DYNA explicit simulations to identify the material parameters. Findings: – The paper provides comparison of two optimisation algorithms and discusses the engineering applicability of the results. Originality/value: – This paper presents an approach for the identification of the missing parameter values of the highly non-linear material model, if these cannot be easily determined directly from experimental data.