Dassault Systemes announced the release of the Abaqus BioRID II (Biofidelic Rear Impact Dummy II) from SIMULIA, the Dassault Systemes brand for realistic simulation. SIMULIA's 3D BioRID II dummy model is used by the automotive industry during the design phase of seats and head restraints to assess and reduce the risk of neck injuries resulting from rear-end vehicle collisions.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), whiplash injuries sustained in rear-end collisions account for approximately $8.5 billion in insurance claims annually. The new Abaqus BioRID II has been developed and validated in cooperation with the German Association for Research in Automobile Technology (FAT). The dummy model, in combination with the physical BioRID II crash test dummy, is used by automotive OEMs and suppliers to evaluate the realistic performance of complete seats (cushion and backrest), including head restraint systems designed to minimize whiplash injuries.

Realistic simulation is proving to be ever more critical in the development of our seating systems to address market requirements and satisfy regulatory issues," states Laurent Guerin, simulation methods manager, Automotive Seating Product Group, Faurecia. "The Abaqus BioRID II model is providing very accurate predictions and correlation against physical test results, and we are incorporating its usage as an integral part of our product development process. Such simulation capabilities enhance Faurecia's efficiency and effectiveness in designing and manufacturing seats and head restraints that can reduce whiplash injuries in rear impact crashes.

"The new Abaqus BioRID II model is an important component in the expansion of our automotive safety simulation solutions," notes Marc Schrank, director of crashworthiness and occupant safety for SIMULIA. "Accurate and robust safety simulation solutions are a key factor in delivering Abaqus Unified FEA technology, which enables automotive OEMs and suppliers to leverage the power of realistic simulation and its associated intellectual property across multiple engineering disciplines."

The Abaqus BioRID II model takes advantage of unique Abaqus technology to represent the complex neck and spine construction of the physical BioRID II dummy. This state-of-the-art technology enables accurate, yet computationally efficient, simulation of the accelerations and loads occurring in the spine, neck, and head during a rear-end collision.

The German Association for Research in Automobile Technology promotes scientific research of automobile performance, safety, materials, and efficiency. Member companies in the working group for crash and occupant safety simulation include Audi, BMW, CRH, Daimler, JCI, Karmann, Keiper, Opel, Porsche, and Volkswagen.

About SIMULIA

SIMULIA is the Dassault Systemes brand that delivers a scalable portfolio of Realistic Simulation solutions including the Abaqus product suite for Unified Finite Element Analysis, multiphysics solutions for insight into challenging engineering problems, and SIMULIA SLM for managing simulation data, processes, and intellectual property. By building on established technology, respected quality, and superior customer service, SIMULIA makes realistic simulation an integral business practice that improves product performance, reduces physical prototypes, and drives innovation. Headquartered in Providence, RI, USA, with R&D centers in Providence and in Suresnes, France, SIMULIA provides sales, services, and support through a global network of over 30 regional offices and distributors.

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