Vehicle Frontal Crashworthiness Analysis by Simplified Structure Modeling using Nonlinear Spring and Beam Elements

Abstract

Abstract In this paper modeling and crashworthiness analyses of simplified vehicle structures are carried out using beam elements and nonlinear springs to which axial and bending collapse are applied. In our initial analysis we use a full car model of which 30% of the structures are modeled with nonlinear springs and beam elements while in the second analysis 75% are modeled in this fashion. The results are compared with those of full car analysis using shell elements. Occupant simulations on impact condition have also been performed on the vehicle structure modeled with shell elements as well as with nonlinear springs and beam elements respectively. Relatively good agreement was achieved between these analyses, while the computing time was significantly reduced for our proposed method.