USE OF FINITE ELEMENT CONCEPT MODELS FOR THE EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE PICKUP BOX ARCHITECTURES

摘要

Traditional finite element models require very specific information about component geometry, constraints, and loads to produce reasonably accurate stress, strain, and modal results. However, detailed parameters are not available early in the design process, before component design is complete. When assessing alternative concepts for vehicle body structure architectures, an automotive designer must make many geometric assumptions, or else forgo traditional finite element analysis completely. One way of including finite element analyses early in the design process is to develop concept models, which use a coarsened mesh and a number of feature approximations to create a model that is adequate for comparative noise, vibration, and harshness evaluations of competing architectures. This paper describes the development and application of concept models for architecture studies supporting the design of a reduced weight pickup box for a light-duty truck.