An Optimization Approach to Occupant Safety and Fuel Economy in Vehicle Design

1. Abstract A major challenge in automotive design is the creation of safe vehicles with minimal environmental impact. This study presents a modeling framework for evaluating and optimizing body designs for improved occupant safety and fuel efficiency. Vehicle body mass is considered as the main link between safety and sustainability. The modeling framework includes frontal crash energy absorption, restraint system design and fuel economy. Preliminary results indicate a Pareto-optimal curve between safety and sustainability may exist when other factors are not taken into account. A more complete modeling framework that includes more sophisticated sustainability and safety metrics, cost and other market considerations, is suggested in order to support better design and regulatory decisions. 2. Keywords: Automotive body structures, fuel economy, occupant safety, optimal vehicle design, restraint systems

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