Abstract:Based on nonlinear finite element and multibody dynamics,a simulation strategy is developed to solve the crashworthiness design problem for train sets.The relationship of nonlinear springs which describe characters of forcesdisplacements for energy absorbers during crash event is obtained by analyzing nonlinear FEA techniques.Then,a simulation was made for collision of two train sets with multibody dynamics.The results of impact force,deformation,velocity,acceleration and absorbed energy are analyzed to assess the passive safety of whole train set.Compared to the high velocity impact,the medium and low velocity impact can be absorbed a higher proportion energy by the interface between cab and the second vehicle.The results indicate that the joining simulation strategy is feasible and effective to simulate the whole process of train collision.