Finite element analysis of localised impact loading on short glassfibrereinforced polyamide engine oil pan subjected to low velocity impact fromflying projectiles

摘要

This paper investigates low velocity impact involving a glass fibre-reinforcedpolyamide engine oil pan as part of a complete new development of thermoplasticcomponents. The assessment of the impact resistance has driven the need toemploy LS DYNA for finite element modelling in order to virtually benchmark andpredict the strength and fracture behaviour of stressed plastic parts. In orderto develop a reliable predictive capability and to validate simulations,complete components were manufactured by injection moulding techniques for theexperimental samples. Low velocity impact investigations were carried out usinga gas gun and a falling weight tester in order to simulate impact events towhich the oil pan is subjected whilst in operational service. This was intendedto point out damage tolerance and failure mechanisms likely to occur in thestructure. The study results show the significant contribution of the design interms of shock absorption. Specific oil pan design with protective ribbingcombined with a superior material considerably improves the impact resistance.The paper provides results and discussions on experimental and finite elementanalysis investigations before concluding with some remarks.