Load Path Analysis under Distributed Loading and Its Application to Vehicle Body Structures

摘要

The load path U* analysis is an effective tool for investigating the load paths in body structures. In the present study, a new index U{sup}(**) is introduced to investigate structures under distributed loading. The new parameter U{sup}(**) is a complementary concept of U{sup}*. Although the conventional index U{sup}* cannot be applied to cases of distributed loading conditions, the new index U{sup}(**) can be applied to those cases. The distribution of U** is calculated for an actual vehicle body, and the load paths on the floor structure are shown to describe the load transfer.