A frequency response function based updating technique for the finite element model of automotive structures

Abstract

Todays automotive industry uses finite element analysis (FEA) in a huge variety of applications in order to optimize structures and processes before hardware is produced. Efficiencies can be enhanced and margins are reduced because the external loads and structural properties are identified with higher confidence. The accuracy of FEA predictions has become increasingly important and directly influences the competitiveness of a product on the market. Because automotive structures are under dynamic environments, the correlation on the basis of static deformations independent of the mass and damping parameters do not provide a valuable reference from the view of the dynamic characteristics. In this paper, by systematically comparing the results from analytical and experimental analysis techniques, finite element (FE) models can be validated by the deterministic and robust design on the basis of each tolerance of design parameters, and improved so that they can be used with more confidence in further analysis. Making use of different types of test datum, a recommended procedure is to use a sequence of analysis in which mass, stiffness, damping, and external loading are validated and, if necessary, updated.