Optimum Design of a Center-Pillar Model with Simplified Side Impact Analysis

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the optimum design of a center-pillar assembly for the side impact of a vehicle. In order to simulate crash behavior of the center-pillar assembly with small computation time, a simplified finite element model of the center-pillar assembly and a modified moving deformable barrier (MDB) are developed based on results of crash analysis of a full vehicle model. Optimization aims at S-shaped intrusion mode of the center-pillar toward the cabin room to reduce the injury level of the driver in crash test. The center-pillar model is regarded as an assembly of parts fabricated with Tailor-welded blank and the thickness of each part is selected as a design parameter. The thickness variables of parts which have significant effects on the deformation mechanism are extracted as design parameters based on the sensitivity analysis with design of experiment technique. The objective function is constructed so as to both lead to an S-shaped intrusion mode and minimize the vehicle weight. The result demonstrates that the simplified model can be utilized effectively for the optimum design of center-pillar members with remarkable saving of computing time.