Title: Some examples of modern vehicle design analysis by the finite element method

Authors: H. Pries, H.-Chr. Wille

Addresses: Research Department, Volkswagenwerk AG, Wolfsburg, West Germany. ' Research Department, Volkswagenwerk AG, Wolfsburg, West Germany

Abstract: Numerical calculation based on the finite element method seems to have become widely accepted as a helpful tool within the design and development departments of the automotive industry. The reason for this is twofold: on the one hand user experience is growing, on the other hand the software capabilities for preprocessing, calculation and postprocessing have reached a certain state of convenience, allowing interactive handling and graphic presentation of results. The requirements of light-weight design while maintaining structural stability, and the use of alternative materials (e.g. plastics, aluminium, etc.) for future car development, will lead to further applications of the finite element method (FEM). In this paper a short overview on today|s software capabilities as well as some examples of FEM calculations are presented. The numerical results and the conclusions for the designer are discussed.

Keywords: vehicle design; design analysis; finite element method; FEM; lightweight design; alternative materials; software capabilities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1984.061088

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1984 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.53 - 66

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

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