Citation

Georgiou G, Zeguer T. Int. J. Crashworthiness 2018; 23(3): 336-353.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13588265.2017.1328723

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Very fast full vehicle simulations through the use of effective, but drastically simplified digital models is a topic of great interest to automotive manufacturers and research communities. A non-conventional modelling and simulation approach using the macro-element methodology, embedded in Visual Crash Studio (VCS), is assessed. Modelling practices for converting finite element models to macro-element models are developed and presented. A large number of automotive systems, ranging from components and sub-systems to full vehicle models, is investigated. Numerical results obtained from VCS and the finite element code LS-DYNA compared moderately in the majority of the cases. The accuracy and efficiency of the macro-element methodology for vehicle crashworthiness analysis as well as the necessity for model corrections are discussed. Through improved functionality and accuracy, the macro-element methodology could potentially enable engineers to evaluate multiple conceptual designs in shorter times and revolutionise the vehicle development phase.

Language: en

Keywords

full width frontal impact; macro-element methodology; roof strength test; Simplified crashworthiness modelling and simulation