Title: The optimisation process of an energy absorbing frontal underrun protection device

Authors: J. Forsberg, L. Nilsson

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Division of Solid Mechanics, Linkoping Institute of Technology, S-58183 Linkoping, Sweden. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Division of Solid Mechanics, Linkoping Institute of Technology, S-58183 Linkoping, Sweden

Abstract: This paper describes the methodology used during the development of an energy absorbing Frontal Underrun Protection device (eaFUP). The aim of this study is to show how different optimisation methods can be used at different stages during the design process. It also shows one approach to derive an optimal design taking several different design alternatives into account, each of which consists of several different materials. The outcome of the optimisation process is three different designs of the eaFUP.

Keywords: frontal underrun protection; FUP; finite element method; FEM; design process; response surface methodology; RSM; optimisation; energy absorption; optimal design; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2008.019087

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2008 Vol.46 No.3, pp.271 - 293

Published online: 28 Jun 2008 *

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