Abstract: A vehicle an underbody structure includes a bumper, a subframe, and a frame. The frame interconnects the bumper and the subframe. The frame includes first and second symmetrical halves spaced at a distance. The frame is attached to the bumper at front segments of each of the halves, and to the subframe at rear segments of each of the halves. The halves are defined by a plurality of legs formed with the front and rear segments such that the first and second halves define load paths configured to transfer energy throughout the frame.

Abstract: An objective metric for a computer model of a dynamic system includes time-shifting computer generated data relative to empirical test data and computing an associated cross-correlation for each time shifted data set, determining phase and slope errors and scores based on the time shifted data set that provides a maximum cross-correlation, determining a magnitude error and score by performing dynamic time warping on the maximum cross-correlation time shifted data set using a cost function based only on distance. The metric is a weighted combination of the magnitude, phase, and slope scored. An auto-calibration of metric parameters may include comparison of subjective ratings stored in a corresponding database in a computer readable storage device that includes data representing similarity between representative empirical data sets and computer generated data sets. Metric parameters may be tuned or optimized so that the objective metric corresponds to subjective ratings by subject matter experts.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing the accuracy and validity of a computer model constructed to simulate a multivariate complex dynamic system. The method and system exploit a probabilistic principal component analysis method along with Bayesian statistics, thereby taking into account the uncertainty and the multivariate correlation in multiple response quantities. It enables a system analyst to objectively quantify the confidence of computer models/simulations, thus providing rational, objective decision-making support for model assessment. The validation methodology has broad applications for models of any type of dynamic system. In a disclosed example, it is used in a vehicle safety application.

Abstract: A structural panel for an automotive vehicle includes an outer panel and a variable strength inner panel attached to the outer panel. The inner panel utilizes active elements formed from shape memory alloy (SMA). A controller activates the SMA elements so as to transform the inner panel from a normal state to a higher strength state in the event of an impact directed against a vehicle.

Abstract: A structural panel for an automotive vehicle includes an outer panel and a variable strength inner panel attached to the outer panel. The inner panel utilizes active elements formed from shape memory alloy (SMA). A controller activates the SMA elements so as to transform the inner panel from a normal state to a higher strength state in the event of an impact directed against a vehicle.