Crash Optimization of Automobile Frontal and Side Structures Using Equivalent Static Loads

Abstract

Automobile crash optimization is nonlinear dynamic response structural optimization that uses highly nonlinear crash analysis in the time domain. The equivalent static loads (ESLs) method has been proposed to solve such problems. The ESLs are the static load sets generating the same displacement field as that of nonlinear dynamic analysis. Linear static response structural optimization is employed with the ESLs as multiple loading conditions. Nonlinear dynamic analysis and linear static structural optimization are repeated until the convergence criteria are satisfied. Nonlinear dynamic crash analysis for frontal analysis may not have boundary conditions, but boundary conditions are required in linear static response optimization. This study proposes a method to use the inertia relief method to overcome the mismatch. An optimization problem is formulated for the design of an automobile frontal structure and solved by the proposed method.